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.
Material and 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.
Conclusion. 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.