| Learning Objective #1: Describe the benefits of home-based exercise versus education only in older women with diastolic heart failure | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Discuss the physiological and psychosocial factors associated with increased rates of depression and poor quality of life in older women with diastolic heart failure |
In this randomized controlled trial, the effects of low to moderate intensity home-based exercise in older women diagnosed with diastolic heart failure were evaluated. This study extends previous research conducted in highly selective and homogenous samples of systolic heart failure patients to older women with diastolic heart failure with significant comorbidity. 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 (p = 0.002), Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (p = 0.002; p = 0.014) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (p = 0.012; p = 0.009) at each measurement period. Differences in functional capacity and quality of life scores were clearly present between New York Heart Association class II and III intervention participants. New York Heart Association class III intervention women had the greatest increase in distance walked on the six-minute walk test as well as the most improvement in quality of life scores. No differences were noted between New York Heart Association functional classes in any outcome variables among the control 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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Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003