This study examined the effects of low-intensity physical activity on functional capacity, quality of life, and psychological well-being in congestive heart failure patients with varying BMI. Forty patients were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group followed an 8-week physical activity program, while the control group received usual care. Results showed significant improvement in walk distance, quality of life, and depression scores in the intervention group. The study concludes that low-intensity physical activity effectively improves health outcomes in heart failure patients across different BMI categories.
This randomized controlled trial explored the effects of low-intensity physical activity on functional capacity, quality of life, and psychological well-being in patients with congestive heart failure across different BMI categories. A total of forty patients were selected and randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group participated in an eight-week structured low-intensity physical activity program, while the control group continued with usual care without additional physical activity. Various assessment tools were used to evaluate outcomes, including the 6-minute walk test to measure functional capacity, the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire to assess quality of life, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to evaluate psychological well-being. The results demonstrated that although both groups showed some improvement, the intervention group experienced significantly greater gains in all measured outcomes. The 6-minute walk distance increased, KCCQ-12 scores improved notably, and depressive symptoms reduced significantly in the intervention group compared to the control. The study concluded that low-intensity physical activity is an effective and feasible intervention to enhance physical and mental health in congestive heart failure patients, irrespective of their BMI category.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
40
This includes a structured and progressive 8-week physical activity program involving: Gentle walking Portable pedal exerciser Low-intensity resistance exercises (e.g., resistance bands, seated leg press, hip circles) Supervised sessions with warm-up and cool-down components
Standard Medical Management: Participants continued with their prescribed medications and routine clinical follow-ups for congestive heart failure as directed by their healthcare providers.
Arjumand
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
Functional Capacity
Time frame: 8 weeks
Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-12)
Quality of Life
Time frame: 8 weeks
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
Psychological Well-Being
Time frame: 8 weeks
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