Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acute effect of physiotherapy (deep breathing
exercises and walking) on heart rate variability in patients hospitalised with
chronic heart failure (CHF). DESIGN: Ten males with CHF
(57 +/- 7 years) and 10
healthy controls (59 +/- 9 years) were included. Heart rate and RR intervals were
recorded in the following conditions: supine, seated, during deep breathing
exercises and during and after walking. Heart rate variability was analysed by
linear and non-linear methods (alpha2, Mean HR, rMSSD, SDNN and ApEn). RESULTS:
Patients presented significantly lower SDNN
(12.4 +/- 4 versus 26 +/- 8 ms),
rMSSD (18.2 +/- 16.2 versus 25 +/- 19.5 ms) and ApEn (9.9 +/- 10 versus 16.68 +/-
22.6) during the walking compared to controls (p < 0.05). In addition, mean HR
was significantly higher during and after walking for patients with CHF compared
to controls (103 +/- 8 versus 80 +/- 2 bpm and 90 +/- 9 versus 68 +/- 2 bpm,
respectively). Patients with CHF demonstrated a significant reduction of alpha2
during deep breathing (0.78 +/- 0.1) when compared to the seated position (1.08
+/- 0.1) and walking (1.15 +/- 0.2, p < 0.05).
Additionally, rMSSD index
increased during deep breathing when compared to walking in both groups.
CONCLUSION: Deep breathing exercises and walking are safe and promote beneficial
effects on heart rate variability in patients hospitalised for CHF.

Langue : ANGLAIS