Abstract
The Cardio-Hydrokinesitherapy Pilot Study (Cardio-HKT) is an innovative rehabilitation program performed in warm water (31°C) completed by educational and psycho-behavioral support sessions to improve adherence to healthy life style changes in optimally treated patients (pts) with stable advanced heart failure (HF). The Cardio-HKT training has been shown to be safe and well tolerated in functionally compromised pts and to significantly improve their quality of life [Minnesota LHFQ = -33 ± 11 (p < 0.001)], exercise capacity [6 min Walking Test = + 117 ± 50 meters (p = 0,009) and peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) = + 1.2 ± 0.6ml/kg/min (p = 0.016)]. Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the long-term effects of the Cardio-HKT program on pts adherence to self-monitoring, home based physical activity and to dietary sodium restriction. Methods: 18 pts with stable advanced HF, on optimal medical treatment, [mean age 62 ± 21.5 years; 94% males; 61% with ischaemic CMD etiology; mean ejection fraction 27 ± 7%; mean peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) 13.6 ± 2.6 ml/kg/min; anaerobic threshold VO2 (ATVO2) 9.3 ± 2.6 ml/kg/min; VE/VCO2 47,5 ± 10.1; NT-proBNP 2731 ± 2551pg/ml; sodium concentration 136.9 ± 4.2 mEq/L] were included in the study. The Cardio-HKT program has been performed for 3 weeks by groups of 4-5 pts participating to 2 daily immersion sessions of progressive intensity, tailored on each pt and supervised continuously by a specialized rehabilitation therapist. After this period, pts were given a dry-land exercise protocol training to be continued daily at home. Heart rate response was monitored by wrist recorder. Results: After 1 year all pts are alive; 33% (6/18 pts) required admission for worsening HF (only 1 pt needed to be readmitted twice). Physical training protocol adherence was 90 % at 3 months, 70% at 6 months and 50% at 1 year. Lifestyle modifications, evaluated as ability to keep the recommended weight, were observed in 89% at 6 months and 83% at one year. After 12 months Minnesota-LHFQ was found improved compared to the baseline test (−18.3 ± 9; p = 0,006). Conclusion: Despite progressive adherence reduction to the home based exercise protocol, the Cardio HKT program favored long-term improvement in quality of life and in healthy life-style modifications, in pts with advanced HF.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
