[Impact of a long-term complex rehabilitation on chronic fatigue and cardiorespiratory parameters in patients with chronic heart failure].
The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of a long-term rehabilitation on chronic fatigue and cardiorespiratory parameters in patients with chronic heart failure.


METHODS
One hundred seventy patients with class III-IV (NYHA) chronic heart failure were examined. The study population was divided into two groups: long-term rehabilitation group and control group. They underwent cardiopulmonary exercise test and completed questionnaires on chronic fatigue (MFI-20L, DUFS, and DEFS). Measurements were repeated 3 and 6 months after long-term complex rehabilitation.


RESULTS
According to the data of MFI-20L, DUFS, and DEFS questionnaires, 170 patients (100%) with class III-IV (NYHA) chronic heart failure complained of fatigue. Overall daily fatigue was 56.8+/-28.5 points on a 100-point scale, and after 6-month rehabilitation, this parameter was statistically significantly reduced on all scales (P<0.05). Physical fatigue and self-care improved in controls. Cardiopulmonary exercise test showed that parameters of hyperventilation, ventilatory equivalents, and pCO2 were significantly improved in rehabilitation group after 6 months as compared to baseline data (P<0.05), but not in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with class III-IV (NYHA) chronic heart failure experience chronic fatigue, which reduces their motivation and self-care abilities. Long-term complex rehabilitation programs improve all parameters of chronic fatigue, respiratory efficiency, and prognostic indicator of chronic heart failure--ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide.
Vasiliauskas
Donatas
D
Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas University of Medicine, Sukileliu 17, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania. donatas@kmu.lt
Kavoliūniene
Ausra
A
Jasiukeviciene
Lina
L
Grizas
Vytautas
V
Statkeviciene
Audrone
A
Leimoniene
Lina
L
Tumyniene
Vida
V
Kubilius
Raimondas
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000097:blood; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005080:Exercise Test; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D018579:Patient Selection; D011379:Prognosis; D012648:Self Care; D013147:Spirometry; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002245:Carbon Dioxide