Effects of Aerobic Training Combined with Inspiratory Muscle Training on Cardiopulmonary and Skeletal Muscle Function, Dyspnea and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

摘要

This randomized controlled study aims to determine the additive effects of combining Aerobic Interval Training (AIT) with Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) in subjects having chronic heart failure and inspiratory muscle weakness. 32 patients were enrolled, and underwent a 3 months training program each allocated to one of three different exercising groups comprised of IMT, AIT and a combination of both. IMT training involved a 15 minutes inspiratory training at 60% maximal inspiratory pressure, AIT involved a 30 minutes treadmill exercising at 60% to 90% of maximum heart rate, and the combined group performed both types of training separated by a rest period. Pulmonary function, respiratory and skeletal muscles function tests were performed as well as Quality of Life (QoL) and functional capacity before and after interventional periods. Our results showed the benefits of using the combination of the two training types on inspiratory muscle and skeletal muscle function. Also, additional improvements in functional capacity were observed using the 6 minutes' walk test and by evaluating the patients' QoL.