[Electrostimulation of the skeletal muscles in rehabilitation of patients with chronic cor pulmonale: effects on arrhythmogenesis and vegetative status].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate effects of electrostimulation of the skeletal muscles (EMS) on vegetative status and arrhythmogenesis in patients with chronic cor pulmonale (CCP).


METHODS
101 CCP patients (age 59 +/- 1.2 years) were examined with loading tests, 24-h ECG and blood pressure monitoring to assess disturbances and variability of cardiac rhythm, blood pressure. The study group patients (n = 54) have undergone EMS of large skeletal muscles in addition to standard rehabilitation. The control group (n = 47) received standard treatment.


RESULTS
A course of EMS raised strength of the muscles of the upper and lower limbs and exercise tolerance of the lower limb muscles in the study group, bicycle exercise and 6-min walk tolerance, reduced the number of atrial and ventricular extrasystoles. The test group lowered the low-frequency component at night (p = 0.021) and in maximal spectrum power reflecting enhancement of parasympathetic activity in this time.


CONCLUSIONS
EMS had no arrhythmogenic action, but had a positive effect on vegetative status of CCP patients.
Sumin
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AN
Snitskaia
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NA
Arkhipov
O G
OG
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010275:Parasympathetic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011660:Pulmonary Heart Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*