The Effect of Computerized Wobble Board and Core Stabilization Exercises on Balance Performance and Exercise Capacity in Patients With Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of computerized wobble board exercise training (CWBET) and core stabilization exercise training (CSET) on balance performance, and exercise capacity in patients with heart failure (HF). DesingSingle-blind randomized controlled prospective study. SettingCardiology department of a local university hospital. ParticipantsFifty-one patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction, whose clinical status and medication had been stable for the previous 3 months, were included (N=51). Nine patients could not complete the follow-up period due to personal reasons. No patient experienced any adverse events during exercise training. InterventionsPatients were randomized to CWBET, CSET, and control group. CWBET and CSET groups participated in their own exercise programs, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The control group received no exercise program. Main Outcome MeasuresAll patients were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks. Postural stability, static and functional balance, and exercise capacity were evaluated with the Sensamove Balance Test Pro with Miniboard, the one-leg stance test (OLS), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the six-minute walk distance (6MWD), respectively. Core stabilization and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were assessed with OCTOcore app, and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, respectively. ResultsA mixed model repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant group × time interaction effect for static postural stability performance (P<.001, ηp2=0.472), vertical (P<.001, ηp2=0.513), horizontal performance (P<.001, ηp2=0.467), OLS (P<.001, ηp2=0.474), BBS (P<.001, ηp2=0.440) scores, 6MWD (P<.001, ηp2=0.706), and HRQOL. Post hoc analysis revealed CWBET and CSET groups had similar improvements balance performance, exercise capacity, and HRQOL and both groups significantly improved compared with control group (P<.001). Core stabilization was significantly improved only in CSET group after 8 weeks. ConclusionCWBET and CSET programs were equally effective and safe for improving balance performance and exercise capacity in patients with HF.