Combined endurance/resistance training reduces NT-proBNP levels in patients with chronic heart failure

Ergophysiological evaluation of heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction undergoing exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore in heart failure (HF) patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF) undergoing exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation the following: 1) the comparison of temporal changes between peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and first ventilatory threshold (VO2VT1), 2) the association of VO2peak and VO2VT1 changes with physiological factors, and 3) the differential effects of continuous aerobic exercise (CAE) and interval training (IT) on VO2peak and VO2VT1.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, CENTRAL, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria were 1) original research articles using exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation, 2) stable HF patients with reduced EF, 3) available values of VO2peak and VO2VT1 (in mL/kg/min) both at baseline and after exercise training with comparison between these time points.

RESULTS

Among the 30 eligible trials, 24 used CAE, 5 IT, and one CAE and IT. Multivariable meta-regression with duration of exercise training and percentage of males as independent variables and the change in VO2peak as a dependent variable showed that the change in VO2peak was negatively associated with duration of exercise training (coefficient=-0.061, p=0.027), implying the possible existence of a waning effect of exercise training on VO2peak in the long term. Multivariable meta-regression demonstrated that both age (coefficient=-0.140, p<0.001) and EF (coefficient=-0.149, p<0.001) could predict the change in VO2VT1, whereas only age (coefficient=-0.095, p=0.022), but not EF (coefficient = 0.082, p = 0.100), could predict the change in VO2peak. The posttraining peak respiratory exchange ratio, as an index of maximum effort during exercise testing, correlated positively with the change in VO2peak (coefficient=-0.021, p=0.044). The exercise-induced changes of VO2peak (p = 0.438) and VO2VT1 (p = 0.474) did not differ between CAE and IT groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement of endurance capacity during cardiac rehabilitation may be detected more accurately with the assessment of VO2VT1 rather than VO2peak.

Effects of an explain-simulate-practice-communicate-support intervention on quality of life for patients with chronic heart failure: A randomized control trial

Background

Patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) grade III chronic heart failure (CHF) present with low capacity for daily activities, severe self-perceived burden, and poor quality of life. Effective nursing interventions may reduce patients' self-perceived burden and improve their quality of life.

Objectives

To explore the effects of an explain-simulate-practice-communicate-support intervention on the self-perceived burden, cardiac function, and activities of daily living (ADL) ability in patients with New York Heart Association grade III chronic heart failure.

Methods

Of the 100 patients with New York Heart Association grade III chronic heart failure who were electronically randomized and equally divided into control and intervention groups, data from 88 patients who completed our study were analyzed. The primary outcome was quality of life; secondary outcomes were self-perceived burden, 6-min walking test distances, serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels, New York Heart Association cardiac function classification, and ability to perform activities of daily living.

Results

After 12 weeks' intervention, the intervention group had significantly lower self-perceived burden, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels, and New York Heart Association grades compared with the control group, while 6-min walking test distances, left ventricular ejection fraction, and modified Barthel Index scale scores were significantly higher than those in the control group (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The explain-simulate-practice-communicate-support intervention improved patients' quality of life through reducing the level of self-perceived burden, and improving cardiac function and activities of daily living ability. This intervention was found to be effective for patients with New York Heart Association grade III chronic heart failure.

The Improvement of Left Atrial Function after Twelve Weeks of Supervised Concurrent Training in Patients with Heart Failure with Mid-Range Ejection Fraction: A Pilot Study

Left atrial dysfunction is associated with exercise intolerance and poor prognosis in heart failure (HF). The effects of exercise training on atrial function in patients with HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) are unknown. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of a supervised concurrent training (SCT) program, lasting 12 weeks, on left atrial function of patients with HFmrEF. The study included 70 stable patients, who were randomly assigned into two groups: SCT with (three sessions/week) or a control (CON) group directed to follow contemporary exercise preventive guidelines at home. Before starting the training program and at 12 weeks, all patients performed an ergometric test, a 6 min walk test, and echocardiography. Between-group comparisons were made by analysis of variance (ANOVA). At 12 weeks, the duration of the ergometric test and distance walked at 6 min walk test presented a significant greater increase in SCT compared to the control (between-group p 0.0001 and p 0.004 respectively). Peak atrial longitudinal strain and conduit strain presented an increase of 29% and 34%, respectively, in the SCT, and were unchanged in CON (between-group p 0.008 and p 0.001, respectively). Peak atrial contraction strain increased by 21% in SCT, with no changes in CON (between-group p 0.002). Left ventricular global longitudinal strain increased significantly in SCT compared to control (between-groups p 0.03). In conclusions, SCT improved left atrial and left ventricular function in HFmrEF. Further studies are needed in order to verify whether these favourable effects of SCT on LA function are sustained and whether they will translate into clinical benefits for patients with HFmrEF.

The Evaluation of Functional Abilities Using the Modified Fullerton Functional Fitness Test Is a Valuable Accessory in Diagnosing Men with Heart Failure

The assessment of functional abilities reflects the ability to perform everyday life activities that require specific endurance and physical fitness. The Fullerton functional fitness test (FFFT) seems to be the most appropriate for assessing physical fitness in heart failure (HF) patients. The study group consisted of 30 consecutive patients hospitalized for the routine assessment of HF with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). They formed the study group, and 24 healthy subjects formed the control group. Each patient underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), transthoracic echocardiography and FFFT modified by adding the measurement of the handgrip force of the dominant limb with the digital dynamometer. The HF patients had significantly lower peak oxygen uptake (peakVO2), maximal minute ventilation, and higher ventilatory equivalent (VE/VCO2). The concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) were significantly higher in the study group. The results of all the FFFT items were significantly worse in the study group. FFFT parameters, together with the assessment of the strength of the handgrip, strongly correlated with the results of standard tests in HF. FFFT is an effective and safe tool for the functional evaluation of patients with HFrEF. Simple muscle strength measurement with a hand-held dynamometer can become a convenient and practical indicator of muscle strength in HF patients.

The role of exercise training on cardiovascular peptides in patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The purpose of this systematic review & meta-analysis was to determine the roles of aerobic, resistance or concurrent exercises vs. control (CON) group on B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal-pro hormone BNP (NT-proBNP) in patients with heart failure.

Methods

The electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched up to May 2022 for aerobic vs. CON, resistance vs. CON, and concurrent vs. CON studies on circulating (serum or plasma) levels of BNP and NT-proBNP in patients with heart failure. Non-randomized or randomized controlled trial studies were included. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. This systematic review & meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO at the University of York with the registration number [CRD42021271632].

Results

A total of 28 articles (37 intervention arms), 26 aerobic intervention arms, 3 resistance intervention arms, and 8 concurrent intervention arms were included. A total of 2563 participants (exercise groups = 1350 and CON groups = 1213) were included. Exercise training significantly decreased NT-proBNP marker [-0.229 (SMD and 95% CI: 0.386 to −0.071), p = 0.005], irrespective of overweight/obesity status. Analysis of subgroup by type of exercise training revealed that there was a significant reduction in the NT-proBNP marker for aerobic exercise group compared to the CON group [-0.336 (SMD and 95% CI: 0.555 to −0.105), p = 0.004], whereas concurrent exercise did not show significant changes in the NT-proBNP marker [-0.134 (SMD and 95% CI: 0.350 to 0.083), p = 0.227]. In addition, exercise training did not significantly change the BNP marker [-0.122 (SMD and 95% CI: 0.322 to 0.079), p = 0.235].

Conclusions

The results suggested that exercise training, especially aerobic exercise can be improved the NT-proBNP concentrations in patients with HF (irrespective of overweight/obesity status), which may be a sign of positive physiological adaptations to aerobic exercise.

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Exercise intervention, especially aerobic training can be improved (decreased) NT-proBNP marker in patients with HF.

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Exercise intervention cannot improve BNP marker in patients with HF.

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Decreased NT-proBNP marker by aerobic exercise can be considered as a cardiac rehabilitation programme in patients with HF.

Cardiac Rehabilitation for Patients With Heart Failure: JACC Expert Panel

Cardiac rehabilitation is defined as a multidisciplinary program that includes exercise training, cardiac risk factor modification, psychosocial assessment, and outcomes assessment. Exercise training and other components of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are safe and beneficial and result in significant improvements in quality of life, functional capacity, exercise performance, and heart failure (HF)-related hospitalizations in patients with HF. Despite outcome benefits, cost-effectiveness, and strong practice guideline recommendations, CR remains underused. Clinicians, health care leaders, and payers should prioritize incorporating CR as part of the standard of care for patients with HF.

Combined aerobic/resistance/inspiratory muscle training as the 'optimum' exercise programme for patients with chronic heart failure: ARISTOS-HF randomized clinical trial

AIMS

An 'optimum' universally agreed exercise programme for heart failure (HF) patients has not been found. ARISTOS-HF randomized clinical trial evaluates whether combined aerobic training (AT)/resistance training (RT)/inspiratory muscle training (IMT) (ARIS) is superior to AT/RT, AT/IMT or AT in improving aerobic capacity, left ventricular dimensions, and secondary functional outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients of New York Heart Association II-III, left ventricular ejection fraction  ≤ 35% were randomized to an ARIS, AT/RT, AT/IMT, or AT group, exercising 3 times/week, 180 min/week for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-training, peakVO2 was evaluated with cardiopulmonary exercise testing, left ventricular dimensions using echocardiography, walking distance with the 6-min walk test (6MWT), quality of life by the Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire (MLwHFQ), while a programme preference survey (PPS) was used. Seventy-four patients of [mean 95% (confidence interval, CI)] age 66.1 (64.3-67.9) years and peakVO2 17.3 (16.4-18.2) mL/kg/min were finally analysed. Between-group analysis showed a trend for increased peakVO2 (mL/kg/min) [mean contrasts (95% CI)] in the ARIS group [ARIS vs. AT/RT 1.71 (0.163-3.25)(.), vs. AT/IMT 1.50 (0.0152-2.99)(.), vs. AT 1.38 (-0.142 to 2.9)(.)], additional benefits in circulatory power (mL/kg/min⋅mmHg) [ARIS vs. AT/RT 376 (60.7-690)*, vs. AT/IMT 423 (121-725)*, vs. AT 345 (35.4-656)*], left ventricular end-systolic diameter (mm) [ARIS vs. AT/RT -2.11 (-3.65 to (-0.561))*, vs. AT -2.47 (-4.01 to (-0.929))**], 6MWT (m) [ARIS vs. AT/IMT 45.6 (18.3-72.9)**, vs. AT 55.2 (27.6-82.7)****], MLwHFQ [ARIS vs. AT/RT -7.79 (-11 to (-4.62))****, vs. AT -8.96 (-12.1 to (-5.84))****], and in PPS score [mean (95% CI)] [ARIS, 4.8 (4.7-5) vs. AT, 4.4 (4.2-4.7)*] [(.) P ≤ 0.1; *P ≤ 0.05; **P ≤ 0.01; ***P ≤ 0.001; ****P ≤ 0.0001].

CONCLUSION

ARISTOS-HF trial recommends exercise training for 180 min/week and supports the prescription of the ARIS training regime for HF patients (Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. ARISTOS-HF Clinical Trial number, NCT03013270).

Physical activity for patients with heart failure: Position paper from the heart failure (GICC) and cardiac rehabilitation (GERS-P) Working Groups of the French Society of Cardiology

Physical activity is important in heart failure to improve functional capacity, quality of life and prognosis, and is a class IA recommendation in the European Society of Cardiology guidelines (Ponikowski et al., 2016). The benefits of exercise training are widely recognized. Cardiac rehabilitation centres offer tailored exercise training to patients with heart failure, as part of specialized multidisciplinary care, alongside pharmacological treatment optimization and patient education. After cardiac rehabilitation, maintenance of regular physical activity long term is essential, as the benefits of exercise training vanish within a few weeks. Unfortunately, only 10% of patients benefit from a cardiac rehabilitation programme after hospitalization for acute heart failure, and the majority of patients do not pursue long-term physical activity. In this paper, two Working Groups of the French Society of Cardiology (the heart failure group [Groupe Insuffisance Cardiaque et Cardiomyopathies; GICC] and the cardiac rehabilitation group [Groupe Exercice Réadaptation Sport et Prévention; GERS-P]) discuss the obstacles to broader access to cardiac rehabilitation centres, and propose ways to improve the diffusion of cardiac rehabilitation programmes and encourage long-term adherence to physical activity.

Low Skeletal Muscle Mass Independently Predicts Mortality in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure after an Acute Hospitalization

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome associated with exercise intolerance, and its symptoms are more common in patients with low skeletal muscle mass (SMM). Estimation of muscle mass can be cumbersome and unreliable, particularly in patients with varying body weight. The psoas muscle area (PMA) can be used as a surrogate of sarcopenia and has been associated with poor outcomes in other populations.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess if sarcopenia is associated with the survival of patients with HF after an acute hospitalization.

METHOD

We retrospectively studied a cohort of 160 patients with HF who had abdominopelvic computed tomography during an acute hospitalization. We obtained standardized measurements of their PMA and defined sarcopenia as the lowest gender-based tertile of the said area. The patients were followed until death or discontinuation of care. We used Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox regression analysis to assess the relationship between sarcopenia and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

We found that the 52 patients with sarcopenia had 4.5 times the risk of all-cause mortality at 1 year compared to the rest of the cohort (CI 1.784-11.765; p = 0.0016) after adjusting for significant covariates. Stratification by age and sex revealed that this association could be limited to males and patients < 75 years old.

CONCLUSION

The PMA, used as a surrogate of low SMM, is independently associated with an increased risk of late mortality after an acute hospitalization in patients with HF.

Effect of exercise therapy on established and emerging circulating biomarkers in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Biomarkers are important in the diagnosis, risk stratification and management of patients with heart failure (HF). The established biomarkers of myocardial stretch, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and amino (N) portion of BNP (NT-proBNP) have been extensively studied, and early analyses have demonstrated response to exercise training. Several other biomarkers have been identified over the last decade and may provide valuable and complementary information which may guide treatment strategies, including exercise therapy.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Trials Register to 31 October 2017 was conducted for exercise-based rehabilitation trials in HF. Randomised and controlled trials that reported biomarkers, BNP, NT-proBNP, soluble ST2, galectin-3, mid-regional atrial natriuretic peptide, mid-regional adrenomedullin and copeptin, were included.

Results

Forty-three studies were included in the systematic review, with 27 studies suitable for meta-analyses. Data pooling was only possible for NT-proBNP and BNP. Meta-analyses of conventional training studies demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in NT-proBNP (pmol/L); mean difference (MD) −32.80 (95% CI −56.19 to −9.42), p=0.006 and in BNP (pmol/L); MD −17.17 (95% CI −29.56 to −4.78), p=0.007. Pooled data of non-conventional training failed to demonstrate any statistically significant improvements.

Conclusion

Pooled data indicated a favourable effect of conventional exercise therapy on the established biomarkers, NT-proBNP and BNP; however, this was in contrast to a number of studies that could not be pooled. Limited evidence exists as to the effect of exercise training on emerging biomarkers.

The ‘aerobic/resistance/inspiratory muscle training hypothesis in heart failure’

Evidence from large multicentre exercise intervention trials in heart failure patients, investigating both moderate continuous aerobic training and high intensity interval training, indicates that the ‘crème de la crème’ exercise programme for this population remains to be found. The ‘aerobic/resistance/inspiratory (ARIS) muscle training hypothesis in heart failure’ is introduced, suggesting that combined ARIS muscle training may result in maximal exercise pathophysiological and functional benefits in heart failure patients. The hypothesis is based on the decoding of the ‘skeletal muscle hypothesis in heart failure’ and on revision of experimental evidence to date showing that exercise and functional intolerance in heart failure patients are associated not only with reduced muscle endurance, indication for aerobic training (AT), but also with reduced muscle strength and decreased inspiratory muscle function contributing to weakness, dyspnoea, fatigue and low aerobic capacity, forming the grounds for the addition of both resistance training (RT) and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to AT. The hypothesis will be tested by comparing all potential exercise combinations, ARIS, AT/RT, AT/IMT, AT, evaluating both functional and cardiac indices in a large sample of heart failure patients of New York Heart Association class II–III and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% ad hoc by the multicentre randomized clinical trial, Aerobic Resistance, InSpiratory Training OutcomeS in Heart Failure (ARISTOS-HF trial).

Efficacy of combined endurance-resistance training versus endurance training in patients with heart failure after percutaneous coronary intervention: A randomized controlled trial

Background:

This study aimed to compare the effects of combined endurance-resistance training (CT) versus endurance training (ET) on some cardiovascular markers in patients with heart failure after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Materials and Methods:

The study applied a randomized, controlled design in which 75 patients with heart failure who had undergone PCI were randomly assigned to one of three groups: ET, CT, and control. The ET group performed ET for 45 min, three times a week for 7 weeks. The CT group performed the same ET for 30 min followed by a resistance exercise protocol. The control group received usual care. Functional capacity, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured.

Results:

After the intervention, functional capacity was improved (P < 0.001) and NT-pro BNP level was significantly reduced (P = 0.004 in the CT group, P = 0.002 in the ET group). Hs-CRP level was significantly reduced only in the ET group (P = 0.030). The control group showed no significant changes in any cardiovascular parameters (P ≥ 0.05). Changes in functional capacity (P < 0.001) in both training groups were significantly different from the control group. No significant differences were found between the ET and CT groups regarding changes in all outcomes after exercise training (P ≥ 0.05).

Conclusion:

Exercise training is safe and feasible in post-PCI patients, even in those with reduced ejection fraction. CT was as effective as ET in reducing NT-pro BNP level and improving functional capacity in heart failure patients after PCI.

Sudden Cardiac Death During Sports Activities in the General Population

Regular exercise reduces cardiovascular and overall mortality. Participation in sports is an important determinant of cardiovascular health and fitness. Regular sports activity is associated with a smaller risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, there is a small risk of sports-related SCD. Sports-related SCD accounts for approximately 5% of total SCD. SCD among athletes comprises only a fraction of all sports-related SCD. Sport-related SCD has a male predominance and an average age of affliction of 45 to 50 years. Survival is better than for other SCD. This review summarizes links between sports and SCD and discusses current knowledge and controversies.

Natriuretic Peptides, 6-Min Walk Test, and Quality-of-Life Questionnaires as Clinically Meaningful Endpoints in HF Trials

The Expedited Access for Premarket Approval and De Novo Medical Devices Intended for Unmet Medical Need for Life Threatening or Irreversibly Debilitating Diseases or Conditions document was issued as a guidance for industry and for the Food and Drug Administration. The Expedited Access Pathway was designed as a new program for medical devices that demonstrated the potential to address unmet medical needs for life threatening or irreversibly debilitating conditions. The Food and Drug Administration would consider assessments of a device's effect on intermediate endpoints that, when improving in a congruent fashion, are reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. The purpose of this review is to provide evidence to support the use of 3 such intermediate endpoints: natriuretic peptides, such as N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide/B-type natriuretic peptide, the 6-min walk test distance, and health-related quality of life in heart failure.

Exercise-Based Rehabilitation for Heart Failure: Clinical Evidence

People with heart failure experience marked reduction in their exercise capacity which has detrimental effects on their activities of daily living, health-related quality of life, and ultimately their hospital ad-mission rate and mortality. Numerous cardiac rehabilitation studies have demonstrated functional benefits, improvement in quality of life and clinical outcomes from exercise training in patients with HFrEF. Based on evidences, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association, European Society of Cardiology, and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence(NICE) consistently recommend exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation(CR) as an effective and safe adjunct for patients with stable class II to III heart failure (HF) who do not have advanced arrhythmias and who do not have other limitations to exercise. This recommendation applies to patients with HFrEF as well as to patients with HFpEF besides patients with class IV HF, although the data are not as robust for patients with HFpEF. In this article, the clinical evidence on effects of exercise for HFrEF and HFpEF as well as end-stage heart failure were separately reviewed.

Ghrelin and hormonal markers under exercise training in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: results from the Ex-DHF pilot study

BACKGROUND

Over 50% of patients with symptomatic heart failure (HF) experience HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Exercise training (ET) is effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and dimensions of quality of life in patients with HFpEF. A systemic pro-inflammatory state induced by comorbidities as the cause of myocardial structural and functional alterations has been proposed in HFpEF. ET modifies myocardial structure and has been related to inflammatory state. We investigated Ghrelin, related adipokines, markers of inflammation, and neuro-hormonal activation in patients undergoing a structured ET vs. usual care are with HFpEF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Ex-DHF-P was a prospective, controlled, randomized multi-centre trial on structured and supervised ET in patients with HFpEF. We performed a post hoc analysis in 62 patients from Ex-DHF-P. Ghrelin, adiponectin, leptin, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, MR-proANP, MR-proADM, CT-proET1, and CT-proAVP were assessed to seize the impact of ET on these markers in patients with HFpEF. Thirty-six (58%) patients were female, mean age was 64 years, and median ghrelin was 928 pg/mL (interquartile range 755-1156). When stratified for high versus low ghrelin, groups significantly differed at baseline in presence obesity, waist circumference, and adiponectin levels (P < 0.05, respectively). Overall, ghrelin levels rose significantly to 1013 pg/mL (interquartile range 813-1182) (P < 0.001). Analysis of covariance modelling for change in ghrelin identified ET (P = 0.013) and higher baseline adiponectin levels (P = 0.035) as influencing factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise training tended to increase ghrelin levels in Ex-DHF-P. This increase was especially pronounced in patients with higher baseline adiponectin levels. Future trials are needed to investigate the effect of ET on endogenous ghrelin levels in regard to interactions with cardiac structure and clinically meaningful surrogate parameters.

The effect of endurance training on exercise capacity following cardiac resynchronization therapy in chronic heart failure patients: a pilot trial

BACKGROUND

Both endurance training (ET) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improve quality of life (QOL) and exercise tolerance in patients with advanced chronic heart failure (CHF).

DESIGN

A randomized intervention trial to study the effect on exercise capacity of ET in addition to CRT in patients with CHF and dyssynchrony.

METHODS

Seventeen patients (eight men, aged 59+/-9 years) with CHF and dyssynchrony were randomized to CRT with (n=8) or without (n=9) ET and compared with two matched control CHF groups (standard care with ET: n=9, standard care only: n=10). At baseline and after 5 months, exercise tolerance, left ventricular (LV) remodelling, QOL and NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were assessed.

RESULTS

Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), maximal workload (Wattmax), circulatory power, LV ejection fraction, dyssynchrony and QOL improved in both CRT groups. However, the increase in VO2peak (+40% versus +16%, P=0.005), Wattmax (+43% versus +13%, P=0.0005), and circulatory power (+74% versus +32%, P=0.01), was significantly greater in the trained versus the untrained CRT patients. Comparison of the four patient groups confirmed the cumulative effects of CRT plus ET.

CONCLUSIONS

ET in resynchronized CHF patients is feasible and further enhances exercise tolerance. Patients with severe CHF should be prescribed an exercise training programme after implantation in order to maximize the expected benefit.

Endurance Exercise Training in Young Adults with Barth Syndrome: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Barth syndrome (BTHS) is a rare X-linked disorder that is characterized by mitochondrial abnormalities, cardio-skeletal myopathy, exercise intolerance, and premature mortality. The effect on endurance exercise training on exercise tolerance, cardio-skeletal function, and quality of life in BTHS is unknown.

METHODS

Four young adults (23 ± 5 years, n = 4) with BTHS participated in a 12-week, supervised, individualized endurance exercise training program. Exercise training was performed on a cycle ergometer for 30-45' three times per week at a moderate intensity level. Exercise tolerance was measured by graded exercise testing and peak oxygen consumption, heart function via two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography, skeletal muscle function by near-infrared spectroscopy, and quality of life through the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire.

RESULTS

There were no adverse events during exercise testing or training for any participant. Peak oxygen consumption modestly (~5%) improved in three or four participants. Mean quality of life questions regarding dyspnea and side effects from medications significantly improved following exercise training. Mean resting heart function or skeletal muscle oxygen extraction during exercise did not improve after exercise training.

CONCLUSION

Endurance exercise training is safe and appears to modestly improve peak exercise tolerance and certain measures of quality of life in young adults with BTHS. However, compared to improvements resulting from endurance exercise training seen in other non-BTHS mitochondrial myopathies and heart failure, these improvements appear blunted. Further research into the most beneficial mode, intensity and frequency of exercise training in BTHS is warranted.

Adiponectin resistance in skeletal muscle: pathophysiological implications in chronic heart failure

Skeletal muscle wasting is a common complication of chronic heart failure (CHF) and linked to poor patient prognosis. In recent years, adiponectin was postulated to be centrally involved in CHF-associated metabolic failure and muscle wasting. This review discusses current knowledge on the role of adiponectin in CHF. Particular emphasis will be given to the complex interaction mechanisms and the intracellular pathways underlying adiponectin resistance in skeletal muscle of CHF patients. In this review, we propose that the resistance process is multifactorial, integrating abnormalities emanating from insulin signalling, mitochondrial biogenesis, and ceramide metabolism.

A simple sarcopenia screening test predicts future adverse events in patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

Progressive loss of skeletal muscle termed "sarcopenia" is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with cardiovascular diseases. A simple screening test that can identify sarcopenia using three variables (age, grip strength and calf circumference) was recently developed. We evaluated the clinical utility of this screening test in patients with heart failure (HF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

HF patients were divided into the sarcopenia (n=82) and non-sarcopenia (n=37) groups based on the sarcopenia score. Circulating BNP and high-sensitive cardiac troponin T levels were significantly higher, and left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in the sarcopenia group than non-sarcopenia group. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that HF event-free survival rate was significantly lower in the sarcopenia group. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis identified BNP (ln[BNP]) (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.09-2.29, p=0.02), hs-CRP (ln[CRP]) (HR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.23-2.68; p<0.01) and sarcopenia score (HR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05, p<0.01) as independent predictors of HF events. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, adding the sarcopenia score to BNP levels increased an area under the curve for future HF events (sarcopenia score alone, 0.77; BNP alone, 0.82; combination, 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

The sarcopenia screening test can be used to predict future adverse events in patients with HF.

[Exercise training as a key component of heart failure therapy]

Physical exercise has been recognized as a standard therapy in the guidelines for secondary prevention of chronic heart failure. In clinical practice its benefits are widely underestimated. It is still too rarely applied as a therapeutic component, despite overwhelming scientific evidence, including meta-analyses illustrating the positive effect on exercise capacity, quality of life and hospitalization. It is crucial that patients undergo a thorough clinical investigation, including exercise testing and are in a clinically stable condition for at least 6 weeks under optimal guideline-conform medicinal therapy before exercise training is initiated. Moreover, it is important that only approved exercise regimens should be prescribed and exercise sessions should be appropriately monitored. Both moderate continuous endurance training and recently developed interval training have been shown to be safe and effective in chronic heart failure. Ideally, endurance training should be combined with moderate resistance training. Current evidence clearly demonstrates a dose-response relationship in the way that beneficial effects of exercise training are strongly related to factors such as exercise duration and intensity. Development of strategies that support long-term adherence to exercise training are a crucial challenge for both daily practice and future research.

Aerobic exercise effect on prognostic markers for systolic heart failure patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

From previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, there is consensus about the positive effect of exercise training on exercise capacity for systolic heart failure (HF); however, the effect on actual prognostic markers such as NTproBNP and minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) slope has not been evaluated. The primary aim of the proposed study is to determine the effect of aerobic exercise training (AEX) on the VE/VCO2 slope and NTproBNP. The following databases (up to February 30, 2013) were searched with no language limitations: CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2013, issue 2), MEDLINE (from January 1966), EMBASE (from January 1980), and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) (from January 1929). We screened reference lists of articles and also conducted an extensive hand search of the literature. Randomized controlled trials of exercise-based interventions with 2-month follow-up or longer compared to usual medical care or placebo were included. The study population comprised adults aged between 18 and 65 years, with evidence of chronic systolic heart failure (LVEF < 45 % and baseline NTproBNP > 300 pg/ml). Two review authors independently extracted data on study design, participants, interventions, and outcomes. We assessed the risk of bias using PEDro scale. We calculated mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences between intervention and control groups for outcomes with sufficient data; for other outcomes, we described findings from individual studies. Eight studies involving a total of 408 participants met the inclusion criteria across the NTproBNP (5 studies with 191 patients) and VE/VCO2 slope (4 studies with 217 patients). Aerobic exercise significantly improved NTproBNP by a MD of -817.75 [95 % confidence interval (CI) -929.31 to -706.19]. Mean differences across VE/VCO2 slope were -6.55 (95 % CI -7.24 to -5.87). Those patients' characteristics and exercise were similar (frequency = 3-5 times/week; duration = 20-50 min/day; intensity = 60-80 % of VO2 peak) on the included studies. Moreover, the risk of bias across all studies was homogeneous (PEDro scale = 7-8 points). However, based on the statistical analysis, the heterogeneity among the studies was still high, which is related to the variable characteristics of the studies. Aerobic exercise may be effective at improving NTproBNP and the VE/VCO2 slope in systolic HF patients, but these effects are limited to a specific HF population meeting specific inclusion criterion in a limited number of studies. Future randomized controlled studies including diastolic and HF overleap with pulmonary diseases are needed to better understand the exact influence of AEX.

Adiponectin: key role and potential target to reverse energy wasting in chronic heart failure

The concept of skeletal muscle myopathy as a main determinant of exercise intolerance in chronic heart failure (HF) is gaining acceptance. Symptoms that typify HF patients, including shortness of breath and fatigue, are often directly related to the abnormalities of the skeletal muscle in HF. Besides muscular wasting, alterations in skeletal muscle energy metabolism, including insulin resistance, have been implicated in HF. Adiponectin, an adipocytokine with insulin-sensitizing properties, receives increasing interest in HF. Circulating adiponectin levels are elevated in HF patients, but high levels are paradoxically associated with poor outcome. Previous analysis of m. vastus lateralis biopsies in HF patients highlighted a striking functional adiponectin resistance. Together with increased circulating adiponectin levels, adiponectin expression within the skeletal muscle is elevated in HF patients, whereas the expression of the main adiponectin receptor and genes involved in the downstream pathway of lipid and glucose metabolism is downregulated. In addition, the adiponectin-related metabolic disturbances strongly correlate with aerobic capacity (VO2 peak), sub-maximal exercise performance and muscle strength. These observations strengthen our hypothesis that adiponectin and its receptors play a key role in the development and progression of the "heart failure myopathy". The question whether adiponectin exerts beneficial rather than detrimental effects in HF is still left unanswered. This current research overview will elucidate the emerging role of adiponectin in HF and suggests potential therapeutic targets to tackle energy wasting in these patients.

[Exercise training in heart failure]

In patients with chronic but stable heart failure (HF) exercise training is a recommended and widely accepted adjunct to an evidence-based management involving pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. Various pathophysiological mechanisms, such as central hemodynamics, vasculature, ventilation, skeletal muscle function as well as neurohormonal activation and inflammation are responsible for exercise intolerance described in HF patients. There is sufficient and growing evidence that exercise training in HF with reduced (HFrEF) and with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is effective in improving exercise capacity, HF symptoms and quality of life. The positive effects of exercise training in HF are mediated by an improvement of central hemodynamics, endothelial function, inflammatory markers, neurohumoral activation, as well as skeletal muscle structure and function. In contrast to convincing data from a large meta-analysis, the large HF-ACTION study (Heart Failure-A Controlled Trial Investigating Outcomes of exercise TraiNing) only demonstrated a modest improvement of all cause mortality and hospitalizations in HFrEF. Outcome data in HFpEF are lacking. Whether interval training incorporating variable and higher intensities or the addition of resistance exercise to a standard aerobic prescription is superior in improving clinical status of HF patients is currently being examined. Despite increasing validation of the potential of exercise training in chronic HF, challenges remain in the routine therapeutic application, including interdisciplinary management, financing of long-term exercise programs and the need to improve short-term and long-term adherence to exercise training.

Unraveling new mechanisms of exercise intolerance in chronic heart failure: role of exercise training

Despite remarkable progress in the therapeutic approach of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), exercise intolerance remains one of the hallmarks of the disease. During the past two decades, evidence has accumulated to underscore the key role of both endothelial dysfunction and skeletal muscle wasting in the process that gradually leads to physical incapacity. Whereas reverse ventricular remodeling has been attributed to aerobic exercise training, the vast majority of studies conducted in this specific patient population emphasize the reversal of peripheral abnormalities. In this review, we provide a general overview on underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. In addition, emphasis is put on recently identified pathways, which contribute to a deeper understanding of the main causes of exercise tolerance and the potential for reversal through exercise training. Recently, deficient bone marrow-related endothelial repair mechanisms have received considerable attention. Both acute exercise bouts, as well as exercise training, affect the mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells and their function. The observed changes following exercise training are believed to significantly contribute to improvement of peripheral endothelial function, as well as exercise capacity. With regard to skeletal muscle dysfunction and energy deprivation, adiponectin has been suggested to play a significant role. The demonstration of local skeletal muscle adiponectin resistance may provide an interesting and new link between the insulin resistant state and skeletal muscle wasting in CHF patients.

Exercise training in chronic heart failure

The syndrome of heart failure (HF) is a growing epidemic that causes a significant socio-economic burden. Despite considerable progress in the management of patients with HF, mortality and morbidity remain a major healthcare concern and frequent hospital admissions jeopardize daily life and social activities. Exercise training is an important adjunct nonpharmacological treatment modality for patients with HF that has proven positive effects on mortality, morbidity, exercise capacity and quality of life. Different training modalities are available to target the problems with which HF patients are faced. It is essential to tailor the prescribed exercise regimen, so that both efficiency and safety are guaranteed. Electrical implanted devices and mechanical support should not exclude patients from exercise training; however, particular precautions and a specialized approach are advised. At least 50% of patients with HF, older than 65 years of age, present with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF). Although the study populations included in studies evaluating the effect of exercise training in this population are small, the results are promising and seem to support the idea that exercise training is beneficial for HFPEF patients. Both the short- and especially long-term adherence to exercise training remain a major challenge that can only be tackled by a multidisciplinary approach. Efforts should be directed towards closing the gap between recommendations and the actual implementation of training programmes.

Benefits of combined aerobic/resistance/inspiratory training in patients with chronic heart failure. A complete exercise model? A prospective randomised study

BACKGROUND

We hypothesised that combined aerobic training (AT) with resistance training (RT) and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) could result in additional benefits over AT alone in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients, age 58 ± 9 years, NYHA II/III and LVEF 29 ± 7% were randomly assigned to a 12-week AT (n=14) or a combined AT/RT/IMT (ARIS) (n=13) exercise program. AT consisted of bike exercise at 70-80% of max heart rate. ARIS training consisted of AT with RT of the quadriceps at 50% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and upper limb exercises using dumbbells of 1-2 kg as well as IMT at 60% of sustained maximal inspiratory pressure (SPI(max)). At baseline and after intervention patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, echocardiography, evaluation of dyspnea, muscle function and quality of life (QoL) scores.

RESULTS

The ARIS program as compared to AT alone, resulted in additional improvement in quadriceps muscle strength (1RM, p=0.005) and endurance (50%1 RM × number of max repetitions, p=0.01), SPI(max) (p<0.001), exercise time (p=0.01), circulatory power (peak oxygen consumption × peak systolic blood pressure, p=0.05), dyspnea (p=0.03) and QoL (p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

ARIS training was safe and resulted in incremental benefits in both peripheral and respiratory muscle weakness, cardiopulmonary function and QoL compared to that of AT. The present findings may add a new prospective to cardiac rehabilitation programs of heart failure patients whilst the clinical significance of these outcomes need to be addressed in larger randomised studies.

Cardiac rehabilitation in chronic heart failure: effect of an 8-week, high-intensity interval training versus continuous training

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of an 8-week, high-intensity interval training protocol versus continuous training.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Cardiac rehabilitation center.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N=26; mean age ± SD, 54±12y) with chronic heart failure were enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program for 8 weeks.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups that performed either interval training (IT) or continuous training (CT). IT consisted of 3 sessions of 12 repetitions of 30 seconds of exercise at very high intensity, followed by 60 seconds of complete rest. The CT group performed CT exercises, which consisted of 45 minutes of aerobic exercise.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Parameters of gas exchanges: peak oxygen consumption (Vo(2)peak), first ventilator threshold (VT1), distance at six-minute walk test (6MWT), and level of anxiety and depression were measured.

RESULTS

The IT group increased significantly their Vo(2)peak, the duration of the exercise test, the oxygen pulse, oxygen consumption at the VT1, and the distance walked during the 6MWT. The CT group only increased the time at the VT1 and the distance performed at the 6MWT. The improvement in the time at the VT1 was significantly higher for the IT group than for the CT group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that IT at very high intensity for patients with heart failure appears to be more effective than CT in improving indices of submaximal exercise capacity.

The role of natriuretic peptide testing in guiding chronic heart failure management: review of available data and recommendations for use

The care of patients with heart failure can be challenging, with few objective tools available to assist in therapy decision-making. Natriuretic peptides are powerfully prognostic biomarkers in patients with heart failure and may represent an objective target for therapy. Accordingly, the use of biomarker-guided care with either B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has been recently explored. Over the past few years, a number of studies with heterogeneous inclusion criteria, methods and results have been performed. We have reviewed the available literature, summarizing the results of biomarker-guided heart failure trials and deriving recommendations for optimal application of biomarker-guided heart failure care based on the experience gained. In general, positive studies had low BNP or NT-proBNP target concentrations (∼100 pg/mL and ∼1000 pg/mL, respectively) and achieved lower natriuretic peptide concentrations compared with standard care. Patients in the biomarker-guided arms of the studies typically received more aggressive heart failure care and had no excess adverse outcomes. In the recent ProBNP Outpatient Tailored Chronic Heart Failure Therapy (PROTECT) study, patients treated with biomarker-guided care also had improved quality of life and significantly better reverse remodeling on echocardiography compared with patients who received standard care. In conclusion, heart failure therapy guided by a goal to reduce natriuretic peptide concentrations below prognostically-meaningful levels results in more aggressive heart failure care, is well tolerated and is associated with superior outcomes.

Functional adiponectin resistance and exercise intolerance in heart failure

The contribution of skeletal muscle myopathy to the phenotype of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) has become generally accepted. Besides the macro- and microscopic changes that develop during the progressive process of muscular wasting, functional abnormalities manifest in an earlier stage. Analogous to the failing heart, alterations in skeletal muscle energy metabolism, including insulin resistance, are increasingly recognized. In the search for factors causing this observed myopathy, adipokines receive growing attention. In particular, adiponectin is of special interest due to its fundamental role in skeletal muscle energy metabolism. In strong contrast with patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, circulating adiponectin levels are increased in patients with CHF, and this finding is associated with adverse outcome. Recently, the concept of functional skeletal muscle adiponectin resistance has been suggested to explain compensatory elevated adiponectin levels in CHF. Unraveling of adiponectin's complex downstream signalling pathways and insights into the concept of adiponectin resistance hopefully will disengage the road for targeted therapeutic interventions.

No effect of group-based aerobic interval training on N-terminal pro- B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with chronic heart failure

OBJECTIVES

Exercise training might improve cardiac function as well as functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP), is associated with the severity of the disease, and has been reported to be an independent predictor of outcome in CHF. We evaluated the effect of a four months group-based aerobic interval training program on circulating levels of NT pro-BNP in patients with CHF. We have previously reported improved functional capacity in 80 patients after exercise in this exercise program.

METHODS

Seventy-eight patients with stable CHF (21% women; 70+/-8 years; left ventricular ejection fraction 30+/-8.6%) on optimal medical treatment were randomized either to interval training (n=39), or to a control group (n=39). Circulating levels of NT pro-BNP, a six minute walk test (6MWT) and cycle ergometer test were evaluated at baseline, post exercise, and further after 12 months.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in NT pro-BNP levels from baseline to either post exercise or long-term follow-up between or within the groups. Inverse correlations were observed between NT pro-BNP and 6MWT (r=-0.24, p=0.035) and cycle exercise time (r=-0.48, p<0.001) at baseline. But no significant correlations were observed between change in NT pro-BNP and change in functional capacity (6MWT; r=0.12, p=0.33, cycle exercise time; r=0.04, p=0.72).

CONCLUSION

No significant changes in NT pro-BNP levels were observed after interval training, despite significant improvement of functional capacity.

High-intensity exercise training in mice with cardiomyocyte-specific disruption of Serca2

Several lines of evidence indicate that the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum ATPase type 2 (SERCA2) is essential for maintaining myocardial calcium handling and cardiac pump function. Hence, a reduction in SERCA2 abundance is expected to reduce work performance and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) and to limit the response to exercise training. To test this hypothesis, we compared V̇o2max and exercise capacity in mice with cardiac disruption of Serca2 (SERCA2 KO) with control mice (SERCA2 FF). We also determined whether the effects on V̇o2max and exercise capacity could be modified by high-intensity aerobic exercise training. Treadmill running at 85–90% of V̇o2max started 2 wk after Serca2 gene disruption and continued for 4 wk. V̇o2max and maximal running speed were measured weekly in a metabolic chamber. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography during light anesthesia. In sedentary SERCA2 KO mice, the aerobic capacity was reduced by 50% and running speed by 28%, whereas trained SERCA2 KO mice were able to maintain maximal running speed despite a 36% decrease in V̇o2max. In SERCA2 FF mice, both V̇o2max and maximal running speed increased by training, while no changes occurred in the sedentary group. Left ventricle dimensions remained unchanged by training in both genotypes. In contrast, training induced right ventricle hypertrophy in SERCA2 KO mice. In conclusion, the SERCA2 protein is essential for sustaining cardiac pump function and exercise capacity. Nevertheless, SERCA2 KO mice were able to maintain maximal running speed in response to exercise training despite a large decrease in V̇o2max.

Exercise training reduces circulating adiponectin levels in patients with chronic heart failure

High adiponectin concentrations have emerged as an independent risk factor of outcome inpatients with CHF (chronic heart failure); however, modification of adiponectin in CHF patients has not been assessed to date. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of exercise training on adiponectin levels in CHF patients. A total of 80 patients with CHF due to systolic dysfunction were included. The effect of 4 months exercise training was studied in 46 patients,whereas the remaining 34 untrained CHF patients served as a sedentary control group. Circulating adiponectin concentrations, exercise capacity, anthropometric data and NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide) levels were assessed. Adiponectin levels were significantly higher in CHF patients compared with healthy subjects [9.3 (7.1-16.1) and 4.9 (3.9-8.6) mg/l respectively;P=0.015]. Stratification of CHF patients according to tertiles of NT-proBNP revealed an increase in adiponectin with disease severity (P<0.0001). Exercise training reduced circulating adiponectin levels in CHF patients [10.7 (7.2-17.6) mg/l before training to 9.4 (5.9-14.8) mg/l after training;P=0.013], whereas no changes were observed in the sedentary CHF group [9.0 (7.0-13.5) mg/l before training and 10.1 (6.0-15.7) mg/l after a similar time interval]. A significant time x group interaction (P=0.008) was observed for the mean change in adiponectin between the trained and untrained CHF patients. Adiponectin concentrations were positively associated with NT-proBNP and HDL (high-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol and negatively correlated with BMI (body mass index), triacylglycerols and exercise capacity. In conclusion, circulating adiponectin concentrations are higher in CHF patients compared with healthy subjects and increase with disease severity.Exercise training for 4 months lowers circulating adiponectin levels.

Baseline plasma NT-proBNP and clinical characteristics: results from the irbesartan in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction trial

BACKGROUND

N-terminal B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is usually elevated in heart failure (HF) patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF). Less is known about NT-proBNP in HF with preserved EF (HF-PEF). We measured baseline NT-proBNP in 3562 HF-PEF enrolled patients in the Irbesartan in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction trial.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with EF >or=45%, age >or=60 years, and either New York Heart Association (NYHA) II-IV symptoms with HF hospitalization (HFH) within 6 months or NYHA III-IV symptoms with corroborative evidence of HF or structural changes associated with HF-PEF. NT-proBNP (pg/mL) measured centrally using the Elecsys proBNP assay (Roche). Mean age 72 +/- 7 years, 60% were women, the investigator indicated HF etiology was hypertension in 64%; the majority were in NYHA III. Medications included diuretics in 82%, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in 26%, beta-blocker in 59%, and spironolactone in 15%. Median NT-proBNP was 341 pg/mL (interquartile range 135 to 974 pg/mL) and geometric mean was 354 pg/mL. In multivariate analysis, the baseline characteristics most strongly associated with higher NT-proBNP levels were atrial fibrillation (ratio of geometric mean 2.59, P < .001), NYHA IV symptoms (1.52, P < .001), lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (1.44, P < .001), and HFH hospitalization within 6 months (1.37, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Most HF-PEF patients have elevated NT-proBNP levels. The NT-proBNP concentrations were related to baseline characteristics generally associated with worse outcomes for HF patients.