Clinical impact of the implantable loop recorder in patients with isolated syncope, bundle branch block and negative workup: a randomized multicentre prospective study.

Background: Few studies have compared conventional testing with prolonged monitoring using an implantable loop recorder (ILR) following the first syncope episode in patients with bundle branch block (BBB) and negative workup.

Objectives: To compare two syncope evaluation strategies-primary use of an ILR (Group 1) versus conventional testing (Group 2)-and to estimate the prevalence of significant arrhythmias in the ILR patient subset.

Methods: From January 2005 to December 2010, 78 patients admitted after one syncope episode were randomized to ILR (n=41) or conventional follow-up (n=37).

Enhancement of isokinetic muscle strength with a combined training programme in chronic heart failure.

Background: Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) exhibit an impaired exercised tolerance that dramatically limits their functional capacity and alters their quality of life.

Design: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two types of training programmes on isokinetic muscle strength and aerobic capacities in patients with CHF.

Methods: A group of 23 stable CHF patients included consecutively followed an exercise training programme, 3 days a week for 8 weeks.