Effect of physical training on quality of life and oxygen consumption in patients with congestive heart failure

Aim To assess changes in quality of life (QoL) and oxygen consumption produced by two different patterns of physical training in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Material and methods 42 men (mean age 55.9±8.1 years) with ischaemic CHF lasting 3.1±1.0 years. Patients were randomised into three groups each consisting of 14 men: group A—with constant workload, group B—with progressive/increasing workload, each trained up to 6 months and group C—not trained. QoL was assessed at baseline and at 6 months by means of the Psychological General Well-being Index (PGWB) and the Subjective Symptoms Assessment Profile (SSA-P). Cardiopulmonary exercise test and echocardiography were performed twice. Results At 6 months improvement in PGWB total index was observed, both in groups A and B (p<0.01). Men from groups A and B reported less cardiac symptoms (p<0.01), emotional distress (p<0.01), peripheral circulatory symptoms (p<0.01) and dizziness (p<0.01) in SSA-P. Improvement in sexual life was observed only in group B (p<0.01). Overall improvement of QoL was greater in group B than in group A as well as oxygen uptake (p<0.01). Higher QoL correlated positively with peak VO2 only in group B (r=0.56, p<0.05). Conclusions Physical training improves QoL in men with CHF, but only progressive/increasing workload seems to markedly improve oxygen uptake. Improvement of QoL is related to psychological well-being and physical complaints associated with CHF.