Heart rate autonomic responses during deep breathing and walking in hospitalised patients with chronic heart failure.

Rossi Caruso FC, Arena R, Mendes RG, Reis MS, Papa V, Borghi-Silva A.

Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy Laboratory, Nucleus of Research in Physical Exercise, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract

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 <>

PMID: 20731562 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]