Cardiac rehabilitation program in the functional capacity in person hospitalized for decompensated heart failure

multi-case study

Abstract

Introduction: Decompensated heart failure leads to a decrease in functional capacity, so there is an urgent need for early implementation of a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Objective: To evaluate the evolution of the functional capacity in person hospitalized for decompensated heart failure after the implementation of an aerobic and individualized physical training program, using the Short Physical Performance Battery.

Methodology: Retrospective description of clinical cases submitted to the Early Rehabilitation in Cardiology - Heart Failure program with evaluation of vital parameters, subjective perception of exertion (before/after the session), Short Physical Performance Battery (admission/home return) and 6-minute walk test (home return).

Results: Five clinical cases were selected, three females and two males, with a mean age of 75 years, with average age of 75 years, three of which had preserved ejection fraction (> 50%), two with class IV and three with class III of the New York Heart Association. The average length of hospital stay was 50.00±38.42 days. The rehabilitation program had an average duration of 16.20±14.60 sessions, with no associated adverse events recorded. All persons benefited from the intervention program, with improvements in the total score of the Short Physical Performance Battery (4.60±3.04 versus 8.40±3.36 points), which represents an increase in functional capacity. The average 6-minute walk test was 128.00±98.00 meters, on the way home.

Conclusion: The application of the Early Rehabilitation in Cardiology - Heart Failure program, in a hospital environment, may have influenced the gains in the functional capacity of the persons studied, verifying a positive evolution of the application of the Short Physical Performance Battery with relevant differences in the moments evaluated.