Article

Abnormal expression of cellular adhesion molecules may be related to
endothelial dysfunction, a key feature in chronic heart failure. This study
compares the effects of 10-wk supervised moderate-intensity continuous aerobic
exercise (CAE) and intermittent aerobic exercise (IAE) programs on markers of
endothelial damage, disease severity, functional and metabolic status, and
quality-of-life in chronic heart failure patients.
DESIGN: Fifty-seven patients
between 41 and 81 yrs with New York Heart Association class II-III chronic heart
failure and with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35%-55% were randomized
into three groups: nonexercising control, CAE, and IAE, which exercised three
times a week for 10 wks. Endothelial damage was assessed by serum markers of
vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and
nitric oxide; disease severity was measured by left ventricular ejection fraction
and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide; metabolic status was evaluated by
body composition analysis and lipid profile levels; functional status was
evaluated by cardiorespiratory exercise stress test and 6-min walking distance;
quality-of-life was assessed with Left Ventricular Dysfunction-36 and Short-Form
36 questionnaires at the baseline and at the end of the 10th week. RESULTS:
Significant decreases in serum vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 or serum
intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in IAE and CAE groups after training were
found, respectively. Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, peak systolic
and diastolic blood pressure, 6-min walking distance, and the mental health and
vitality components of Short-Form 36 improved in the CAE group, whereas left
ventricular ejection fraction and 6-min walking distance improved in the IAE
group compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Both moderate-intensity CAE
and IAE programs significantly reduced serum markers of adhesion molecules and
prevented the change in VO2 in patients with chronic heart failure.

Langue : ANGLAIS