Research Information System
Fizyoterapi Rehabilitasyon, vol.16, no.2, pp.74-81, 2005 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus, TRDizin)
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine and compare effects of supervised and home-based exercise training on pulmonary function tests, dyspnea, and quality of life between two groups in patients with heart failure. Material and methods: Twenty-two patients with heart failure were recruited for the study. After symptom-limited exercise testing and pulmonary function tests were done, patients were randomly assigned to supervised or home-based exercise training groups. Both groups participated in a training program of 3 sessions per week for 3 months. Visual Analogue Scale, Baseline and Transition Dyspnea Indexes were used to evaluate dyspnea. Health-related quality of life was measured with General Health Questionnaire. All measurements were repeated after three months. Results: In both groups, pulmonary function tests did not change (p>0.05) whereas patients' dyspnea levels and quality of life improved significantly (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our pilot study showed that home-based exercise training may be an alternative training to improve dyspnea and quality of life in patients with heart failure. Physical therapists who plan training programs in heart failure should consider patients' limitations, needs, and possibilities. In the future, there is a need for comprehensive studies evaluating effects of different exercise training programs in patients with heart failure.