CARDIOMYOPATHY
Conditions
Keywords
Cardiomyopathy, Dyspnea, Exercise, Functional Independence, NIDCM.
Brief summary
This study explores the effects of combined aerobic and resistance exercise in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM). In a six-week randomized clinical trial with 66 participants, both exercise groups-combined and aerobic-only-showed significant improvements in exercise capacity, functional independence, dyspnea, and blood pressure. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups. The study concludes that both exercise approaches are effective, but longer studies are needed to determine if combined training offers added benefits.
Detailed description
The study titled Combined Effect of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise in Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patients by Arooj Fatima investigates how integrating both aerobic and resistance exercises impacts patients suffering from NIDCM, a condition marked by left ventricular dysfunction and reduced exercise tolerance. Through a randomized clinical trial involving 66 patients divided into two groups-one receiving both aerobic and resistance training and the other only aerobic training-the study evaluated changes in ejection fraction, VO₂ max, dyspnea, and functional independence over six weeks. Significant improvements were observed within both groups across all measured outcomes, including increased exercise capacity, better functional independence, and reduced blood pressure and dyspnea levels. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups, indicating that while both exercise regimens are beneficial, the combined approach did not yield superior results within the study's timeframe. The research highlights the value of structured exercise in improving cardiovascular and functional outcomes in NIDCM patients and recommends longer, more varied studies to further explore these benefits.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALCombined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise
Participants received supervised exercise training 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Each session included a 10-minute warm-up (walking at 1.5 km/h), a 30-minute aerobic phase at 60-85% heart rate reserve (calculated using the Karvonen formula), and a 10-minute cool-down (walking at 1 km/h). In addition, participants performed resistance training for upper and lower extremities using TheraBands, with 8-10 sets targeting major muscle groups.
BEHAVIORALAerobic Exercise Only
Participants followed the same aerobic training protocol as the experimental group-3 sessions per week for 6 weeks, with 10-minute warm-up, 30-minute aerobic exercise (60-85% HRR), and 10-minute cool-down. No resistance training was provided.
Sponsors
Riphah International University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
40 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Both male and female Age 40 to 60 * Left ventricular ejection fraction \<50%
Exclusion criteria
* Patients diagnosed with valvular heart disease, supraventricular arrhythmias, congenital heart disease were excluded. * Neuromuscular diseases such as stroke, Parkinson. * Underlying pulmonary disease * Impaired cognitive function (14)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Functional Independence Measure (FIM) questionnaire | Baseline and 6 weeks | Assesses level of functional independence across self-care, mobility, communication, and social cognition. |
| VO₂ Max (Maximum Oxygen Consumption) | Baseline and 6 weeks. | Measured using Graded Exercise Test (GXT) to assess cardiovascular fitness. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale | Baseline and 6 weeks. | Rates severity of dyspnea (shortness of breath) from 0 (none) to 10 (maximum). |
| Blood Pressure (Systolic and Diastolic) | Baseline and 6 weeks. | Measured via Transthoracic Echocardiogram and standard BP monitor. |
Countries
Pakistan
Contacts
Primary Contactimran amjad, phd
Outcome results
None listed