Effects of high-intensity training on indices of ventilatory efficiency in chronic heart failure.

Background: Measures of ventilatory inefficiency, such as the slope of the relation between ventilation and carbon dioxide production ((Equation is included in full-text article.)slope) and the oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) have recently been shown to be strong prognostic markers in patients with heart failure. Little is known regarding the effects of exercise training on these indices.

Long-term myocardial adaptations after cardiac rehabilitation in heart failure: a randomized six-year evaluation using magnetic resonance imaging.

Objective: To assess exercise capacity and left ventricular function using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among patients with chronic heart failure randomized to a residential rehabilitation programme at baseline and six years after participation.

Design: Randomized controlled study.

Setting: Residential cardiac rehabilitation centre and community hospital.

Exercise capacity, physical activity patterns and outcomes six years after cardiac rehabilitation in patients with heart failure.

Objective: To determine the short- and long-term effects of an intensive, concentrated rehabilitation programme in patients with chronic heart failure.

Design: Randomized controlled trial, with one-month and six-year evaluations.

Setting: Residential rehabilitation centre in Switzerland.

Effects of exercise training on heart rate recovery in patients with chronic heart failure.

Background: Heart rate recovery (HRR) is a marker of vagal tone that is associated with survival, but little is known about the effects of exercise training on HRR in patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods: Twenty-four patients with HF were randomized to a 2-month residential rehabilitation program or to usual care. Symptom-limited exercise testing was performed at baseline and at discharge from the program.

Maintenance of exercise capacity and physical activity patterns 2 years after cardiac rehabilitation.

Background: The benefits of exercise training for postmyocardial infarction and postcoronary artery bypass surgery patients are well established, but little is known about the effects of rehabilitation in the months or years following the program. The purpose of this study was to assess exercise capacity, blood lipids, and physical activity patterns 2 years after completing a concentrated residential rehabilitation program in Switzerland.

Methods: Seventy-eight patients (86% males, mean age = 56 +/- 10, mean ejection fraction = 64% +/- 12%) were referred to a residential rehabilitation program after a myocardial infarction or coronary artery bypass surgery between January 2001 and June 2001.