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| Title:
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At-Home Exercise Regimen for Outcome Benefit in Congestive Heart Failure (AEROBIC) |
| Status:
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Completed |
| Topic:
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Cardiovascular Health / Endothelial Function* |
| Funding Source:
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American Teachers of Preventive Medicine (ATPM)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
| Funding Period:
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10/00 4/04 |
| Study Design:
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Randomized, Controlled, Prospective Study |
| Purpose:
|
To determine whether the addition of a home-based exercise program to a chronic disease management program provides an effective and safe means of improving the health and functional status of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). |
| Further Study Details:
|
Twenty (20) adult men and women enrolled in this study were assigned to one of two groups: a chronic disease management program or chronic disease management plus exercise. Those in the exercise group received a treadmill for use in their home and supervised exercise instruction by a cardiac rehabilitation exercise specialist. This year-long intervention included routine monthly telephone calls, and assessments at 3, 6 and 12 months. |
| Findings:
|
The home-based exercise intervention caused a significant change in perceived fatigue between study groups after 6 months of study participation, with the control group feeling less fatigued than the intervention group. After 12 months of participation, there were no significant differences in perceived functional capacity. Home-based exercise was well tolerated and favorably evaluated. This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of studying home-based exercise in patients with moderate congestive heart failure. Larger and longer studies will be required to determine treatment effects. |
| Eligibility:
|
Adult men and women with an established diagnosis of CHF. |