title: Effects of device‑guided slow breathing training on exercise capacity, cardiac function, and respiratory patterns during sleep in male and female patients with chronic heart failure.
abstract: INTRODUCTION Slow breathing training (SBT) has been proposed as a new nonpharmacologic treatment in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the effects of SBT on exercise capacity, hemodynamic parameters, and sleep respiratory patterns in a relatively large sample of CHF patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A crossover open study was conducted. Patients completed, in a random order, 10- to 12‑week SBT, with 2 15‑minute sessions of device‑guided SBT each day, reaching 6 breaths/ min, and a 10- to 12‑week follow‑up under standard care. Clinical data collection, polysomnography, echocardiography, 6‑minute walk test (6MWT), and laboratory tests were performed. RESULTS A total of 96 patients (74 men, 22 women) in New York Heart Association classes I-III, with an average age of 65 years and an ejection fraction (EF) of 31%, completed the study. Home‑based SBT was safe. After training, EF and 6MWT distance improved (EF: 31.3% ±7.3% vs 32.3% ±7.7%; P = 0.030; 6MWT: 449.9 ±122.7 m vs 468.3 ±121.9 m; P <0.001), and the apnea-hypopnea index decreased (5.6 [interquartile range (IQR), 2.1; 12.8] vs. 5.4 [IQR, 2.0; 10.8]; P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS SBT improved physical capacity and systolic heart function; it also diminished sleep disturbances. The results support the benefits of SBT as a novel component of cardiorespiratory rehabilitation programs in patients with CHF.
authors.forename: Kalina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kawecka-Jaszcz
authors.forename: Grzegorz
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bilo
authors.forename: Tomasz
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Drożdż
authors.forename: Dorota
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dębicka-Dąbrowska
authors.forename: Grzegorz
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kiełbasa
authors.forename: Gabriella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Malfatto
authors.forename: Katarzyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Styczkiewicz
authors.forename: Carolina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lombardi
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bednarek
authors.forename: Sabrina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salerno
authors.forename: Danuta
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Czarnecka
authors.forename: Gianfranco
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Parati
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D056152:Respiratory Rate; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation