| Learning Objective #1: Discuss the importance of exercise as a therapeutic adjunct to pharmacological therapy in older women with diastolic heart failure | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Compare and contrast the influence of exercise versus education on functional capacity and quality of life outcomes in older women with diastolic heart failure |
The purpose of this research was to compare a 12-week combined home-based walking/education program and an education only control group on functional capacity and QOL in 32 older women with NYHA Class II and III DHF. This study was an experimental design using one intervention (combined walking/education) and one control group (education only). Measurement of the variables occurred at three time periods, baseline (T1), at the conclusion of the 12-week intervention/control period (T2), and after the three-month telephone follow-up period, (T3). Compared to control participants who were assigned to an education only program, the intervention group who underwent a combined program of exercise and education improved on the six-minute walk test from T1 to T2 (840 feet ± 366 to 1043 feet ± 317 compared to 824 feet ± 367 to 732 feet ± 408, p = 0.002). In the treatment group, scores also improved on the Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (41 ± 26 to 24 ± 18 compared to 27 ± 18 to 28 ± 22, p = 0.002; 24 ± 18 to 19 ± 18 compared to 28 ± 22 to 32 ± 27, p = 0.014) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (6 ± 4 to 4 ± 4 compared to 5 ± 3 to 7 ± 5, p = 0.012; 4 ± 4 to 4 ± 4 compared 7 ± 5 to 7 ± 5, p = 0.009) from T1 to T2 and T2 to T3 respectively, versus no changes in control group participants. Findings from this study support the use of low to moderate intensity home-based exercise, rather than education alone, as a safe and effective strategy for improving functional capacity and quality of life in older women with stable New York Heart Association class II and III DHF.
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