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PubMed1995

Ratings of perceived exertion at maximal exercise in children performing different graded exercise test.

The purpose of this study was to examine the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) at maximal exercise in children performing three different graded exercise tests on a treadmill. Eighteen children with a mean +/- SD age of 10.3 +/- 1.4 years volunteered for this study. Each subject performed three different graded exercise test protocols on a treadmill. The protocols consisted of walking only, running only, and combination walk/run. Mean VO2max (ml.kg-1.min-1) during the walking trial (47.3 +/- 5.0) was significantly (p < 0.05) less than during the running (52.1 +/- 4.9) and combination trials (51.9 +/- 5.1). Mean HRmax (bpm) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower during the walking test (195.2 +/- 7.9) compared to the running (202.2 +/- 7.4) and combination tests (202.3 +/- 6.6). Mean RPE at maximal exercise was 18.1 +/- 2.1 in the walking trial, 16.8 +/- 3.0 in the running trial, and 16.8 +/- 2.6 in the combination trial, and was significantly (p < 0.05) greater in the walking trial compared to the other two testing protocols. These data indicate that although VO2max during a walking test is lower, effort sensation is higher compared to protocols that use running as the mode of exercise. The factors involved with RPE selection in this age-group remain to be established.

Child↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Influence of a 6-week arm exercise program on walking ability and health status after hip arthroplasty: a 1-year follow-up pilot study.

The influence of an upper-limb interval-training program after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in elderly patients was studied during a 1 yr follow-up on health status and walking ability. After surgery, 14 patients were randomly assigned to the control group that started a 6 wk general rehabilitation program or the training group that combined it with an interval exercise program on an arm ergometer. A Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index was completed 1 mo before and 2 mo and 1 yr after surgery. A 6 min walking test was performed at 2 mo and 1 yr after surgery. The training group covered a significantly longer distance than the control group in the 6 min walk test and obtained significantly lower WOMAC scores both at 2 mo and 1 yr after surgery. However, both groups significantly improved in WOMAC and in their performance during the survey. Endurance-type upper-body aerobic training in a rehabilitation program might be important after THA.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

[When does the treatment with captopril show a better improvement in physical performance in patients with heart failure?].

PURPOSE: Considering that heart failure reduces exercise capacity and that converting enzyme inhibitor increases this capacity, using the 6 min walk test we try to demonstrate when the treatment with captopril shows a better improvement in exercise capacity in patients with heart failure. METHODS: Twenty one patients with functional class II or III heart failure (NYHA), left ventricular diastolic diameter greater than 55 mm and with ejection fraction less than 45% were studied. Twelve were male, and the patients mean age was 48 years. The patients were first treated with digital and diuretics and after stabilized they received captopril 25 mg three times a day and underwent the 6 min walk test before the treatment and after four and 16 weeks. RESULTS: The use of captopril showed important improvement in exercise capacity in patients with heart failure. The mean walking distance on the 6 min test was 451 m at the beginning, 476 m in four weeks and 504 in 16 weeks of treatment (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our data show important improvement in exercise capacity with 16 weeks of treatment and that 50% of this improvement occurred after four weeks of treatment. We concluded that the results are already observed within four weeks of treatment and continues to improve during at least four months of treatment.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The development and psychometric evaluation of the Pulmonary Functional Status Scale: an instrument to assess functional status in pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: This article describes the development and psychometric evaluation of the Pulmonary Functional Status Scale (PFSS). The PFSS was developed to address the need for a self-administered, disease-specific, functional status outcome measure that was conceptually based, relatively short, and comprehensively assessed the psychosocial domains affected by chronic pulmonary disease. METHODS: Content validity of the PFSS was established by a panel of experts. Construct validity was determined by principal components factor analysis using data from 365 subjects derived from several studies that used the PFSS. The sample was predominantly white (80%), married (36%), and male (56%) with a mean age of 68.1 years, mean forced expiratory volume in one second of 1.18 L and mean forced vital capacity of 2.31 L. Test-retest reliability was evaluated in 17 outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Concurrent validity was assessed by correlating responses on the total PFSS with the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) score (n = 39), and the 12-minute walk test (n = 104). RESULTS: The factor structure solution used 35 of the 50 submitted items, explained 48.7% of the variance, and yielded three factors: Daily Activities/Social Functioning, Psychological Functioning, and Sexual Functioning. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the total PFSS was 0.93 and the test-retest correlation coefficient was rho = 0.75 (P = 0.001). The correlation between the total PFSS score and the SIP and 12-minute walk test were r = -0.54 (P < 0.001) and r = 0.62 (P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: The PFSS has solid psychometric properties that make it acceptable for use in clinical practice as well as research.

Aged↗

PubMed1990

Comparison of standard one-minute treadmill exercise and strandness test (absolute walking distance) in relation to site of lesion, walking distance, and diastolic blood flow velocity (Doppler curves).

In 215 outpatients suffering from occlusive arterial disease of the lower limbs the authors compared the decrease in the ratio of ankle systolic pressure to brachial systolic pressure according to whether the treadmill exercise was limited to one minute or extended until pain forced the patient to stop. After a one-minute walk the pressure index always decreased significantly, especially when walking was restricted. The decrease in the pressure index was generally greater when the exercise was continued until the absolute walking distance, and the recovery time was usually twice as long. The fall in the pressure index was significantly greater for patients with single and multiple iliac stenoses than for those with stenoses at lower levels. In patients having a diastolic blood flow velocity on Doppler curves at rest, not modified by walking, a maximum drop in peripheral pressure was recorded after walking for one minute. In this instance there was no intensification of the decrease in peripheral pressure, unlike in patients without a diastolic blood flow velocity at rest. This one-minute test is not a maximal hemodynamic response, but it is sufficient for the appreciation of ischemia during exercise, according to the different parameters measured.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗

PubMed1989

Cardiorespiratory strain during walking in snow with boots of different weights.

In order to assess the physiological strain of different boot weights, seven male and three female subjects walked on a treadmill and a snow-field while wearing three types of boots: winter jogging boots (WJB), rubber boots (RB), and rubber safety boots (RSB), weighing (means +/- s.d.) 0.9 +/- 0.1, 1.9 +/- 0.4 and 2.5 +/- 0.2 kg, respectively During each walk the subjects wore the same clothing ensembles and moved at the same, individually determined speed. The mean (+/- s.e.) depths of the footprint impression in the snow while walking in the WJB, RB, and RSB were 26.1 +/- 1.5, 25.6 +/- 1.4 and 26.1 +/- 1.5 cm (NS), respectively. During walking on the treadmill, the means for oxygen consumption were 0.79 +/- 0.05, 0.81 +/- 0.06 and 0.83 +/- 0.04 l min-1 (NS) and in snow 2.24 +/- 0.18, 2.34 +/- 0.17 and 2.34 +/- 0.19 l min-1 (p less than 0.01) with the WJB, RB and RSB, respectively. The mean oxygen consumption levels observed during the walks averaged 23% and 65% of the subject's maximum oxygen consumption on the treadmill and in the snow-field, respectively. During the walking tests the corresponding mean heart rates were 106 +/- 4, 93 +/- 5, and 95 +/- 5 beats min-1 (p less than 0.05) on the treadmill, and 151 +/- 11, 150 +/- 11 and 151 +/- 12 beats min-1 (NS) in snow. No significant differences in ratings of perceived exertion were observed between the walking tests in snow with the three types of boots. In accordance with earlier studies, walking in snow was found to be strenuous work. In conclusion, the use of the RSB is recommended during logging work in snow, since they are known to provide greater protection than lighter boots and the increase in physiological strain experienced with RSB in this study was not appreciably greater than that with boots of lighter weight.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Cutaneous electrical stimulation may enhance sensorimotor recovery in chronic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether cutaneous electrical stimulation has a role in the enhancement of sensorimotor function in chronic stroke. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Fifty-nine patients with chronic stroke received cutaneous stimulation during their three-week-long inpatient rehabilitation. Thirty-two received active treatment in the paretic hand and eight received no-current placebo treatment in the paretic hand. Nineteen patients received active stimulation of the paretic foot. None received stimulation in both upper and lower limbs. INTERVENTION: Cutaneous stimulation was delivered twice daily via a special glove/sock electrode. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Modified Motor Assessment Scale, 10-metre walking test, paretic limb function, limb skin sensation and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) were performed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Modified Motor Assessment Scale (p < 0.001), 10-metre walking test (p < 0.05), paretic hand function (p < 0.01), upper limb skin sensation (p < 0.01) and SEP normality classification of paretic upper limb (p < 0.01) and paretic lower limb (p < 0.5) improved significantly in the treatment group (n = 51) after three weeks of stimulation. When active hand treatment and placebo hand treatment were compared, a significant improvement in the sensory and motor function was observed only in the actively treated group. CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous stimulation had positive effects in the motor performance, limb sensation and the configuration of SEP of the paretic limb in chronic stroke patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Disequilibrium in patients with atherosclerosis: relevance of pontine ischemic rarefaction. Amsterdam Vascular Medicine Group.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical relevance of isolated pontine hyperintense lesions (PHLs) on MRI in patients with atherosclerosis. METHODS: Seventeen atherosclerotic patients with isolated PHL on MRI were compared with 17 patients without PHL and were matched for age, sex, and initial manifestation of atherosclerosis. Subjects and observer were blinded to the MRI findings. We assessed symptoms, impairment, and disability with a structured interview and neurologic examination as well as disability scales. RESULTS: On all items, patients with PHL scored worse than did their controls. We found the largest differences in frequencies of symptoms of disequilibrium, difficulties with speech or swallowing, the Timed Walking Test, and the body care and movement subscale of the Sickness Impact Profile. Except for disequilibrium (p = 0.04), these differences did not reach statistical significance. Abnormal tandem-walking tests were more frequent in patients than they were in controls. Pyramidal signs were equally distributed. CONCLUSIONS: We propose PHL as a cause of symptoms of disequilibrium in patients with atherosclerosis. Symptoms are probably elicited by dysfunction of the corticopontine fibers, the pontocerebellar fibers, or the pontine nuclei.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

[Effect of enteral feeding on exercise tolerance and clinical picture in patients with NYHA class III-IV chronic heart failure].

AIM: To elucidate efficacy of enteral feeding and the role of small intestine in pathogenesis of cardiac cachexia in patients with heart failure and reduced body mass. MATERIAL: Patients with NYHA class III-IV chronic heart failure and deficient body mass (n=34). Control group comprised 32 patients. METHODS: In intervention group standard therapy was supplemented for 24 weeks with balanced nutritional mixture constituting 25% of daily energy requirements. Efficacy of treatment was assessed by 6 minute walk test, evaluation of lean body mass. Studies of intestinal functional activity and biopsies of small intestinal mucosa with morphometrical analysis of bioptates were also performed. RESULTS: Results of 6-minute walk test improved in intervention and control groups by 46.8 and 10.3%, respectively. Average lean body mass increased in intervention group (by 6.7%) and decreased in controls (by 4.9%, p=0.03). Morphometrical study of bioptates revealed augmentation of relative collagen area up to 35-37% (normal value - 10-15%) and pronounced villus atrophy.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

[The effects of pulmonary rehabilitation with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)].

It is controversial whether pulmonary rehabilitation is effective in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To test the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation, 7 patients with COPD (aged 76.0 +/- 2.6 years) were enrolled in pulmonary rehabilitation program for 6 weeks. The program consisted of relaxation, pursed lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, panic control, muscle stretch gymnastics, and exercise training. The distance of the 6-minute walking test increased significantly from 246.4 +/- 38.0 (m) to 304.3 +/- 28.4 (m) (p < 0.05). The minimum SpO2 during the 6-minute walking test increased from 86.0 +/- 2.8 (%) to 90.1 +/- 1.3 (%) and dyspnea as measured with Borg scale decreased from 5.6 +/- 1.1 to 4.6 +/- 0.5, although they were not significantly different. These results suggest that pulmonary rehabilitation might improve exercise tolerance in elderly patients with COPD.

Aged↗

PubMed1989

The relationship of symptoms to performance in paced patients with breathlessness.

Eighteen adult patients presenting with breathlessness associated with bradycardia, and whose breathlessness was diminished or abolished by permanent pacing, were studied at least one month after this procedure in order to examine the relationship between symptoms and exercise performance. All were pacing-dependent at rest and were studied over successive two-weekly periods at set rates of 50, 70 and 90 beats min-1 in a double-blind, balanced and randomized trial. The degree of breathlessness was closely related to exercise capacity judged by 6-min walk testing, effort scores and weekly pedometer distance. Overall results were worse at 50 beats min-1 than the two faster rates. For a given individual, changing of ventricular rate caused parallel alterations in symptoms and performance. The 6-min walking test was a useful guide to disability in these patients, tightly linked to the symptoms of effort and breathlessness, and may be of clinical value in assessing mild heart failure. The pedometer readings were influenced more by the patients' walking habits than by fitness.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Safety and efficacy of valsartan versus enalapril in heart failure patients.

Although a cornerstone in the treatment of heart failure, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are under-used, partly due to side effects. If proven at least similarly efficacious to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers may replace them due to their superior tolerability. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of valsartan and enalapril in heart failure patients stabilised on an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. We randomised 141 patients (mean 68 years, 74% males) with stable mild/moderate heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction 0.45 or less, to valsartan 160 mg q.d. (n=70) or enalapril 10 mg b.i.d. (n=71) for 12 weeks. Changes in 6-min-walk test (primary efficacy variable), patients' wellbeing and left ventricular size and function did not differ significantly between the treatment groups. Valsartan was significantly non-inferior to enalapril in walk test distance change: least-square means treatment difference +1.12 m (95% confidence interval -21.9 to 24.1), non-inferiority P<0.001. Left ventricular size (P<0.001) and function (P=0.048) improved significantly only in the valsartan group. Fewer patients experienced adverse events in the valsartan group (50%) than in the enalapril group (63%), although statistically non-significant. Valsartan is similarly efficacious and safe to enalapril in patients with stable, mild/moderate heart failure, previously stabilised on an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and directly switched to study medication.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Deleterious effects of beta-blockers on exercise capacity and hemodynamics in patients with portopulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: It has been suggested that beta-blockers might be harmful in pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, no study has evaluated the effect of beta-blockers in these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of beta-blockers on exercise capacity and pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with portopulmonary hypertension receiving beta-blockers for the prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. METHODS: Ten consecutive patients with moderate to severe portopulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary artery pressure of 52 [10] mm Hg) underwent a 6-minute walk test and a right heart catheterization at baseline and 2 (1) months after beta-blocker withdrawal. RESULTS: Following beta-blocker withdrawal, 9 of 10 patients increased their 6-minute walked distance with a mean increase in the whole group of 79 (78) meters (P = .01). Cardiac output increased by 28% (P < .01) with no change in mean pulmonary artery pressure, resulting in a 19% decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance (P < .01). Increases in cardiac output were related to a 25% increase in heart rate (P < .01), whereas stroke volume was unchanged (P = .65). The improvements in exercise tolerance were associated with increases in chronotropic response (maximal heart rate minus resting heart rate) from 18 (9) to 34 (12) beats/min (P < .01) during the 6-minute walk test. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with moderate to severe portopulmonary hypertension, beta-blockers are associated with significant worsening in exercise capacity and pulmonary hemodynamics. These deleterious effects support the contraindication of beta-blockers in patients with portopulmonary hypertension.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

PubMed2001

Responsiveness and predictability of gait speed and other disability measures in acute stroke.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the most responsive method of measuring gait speed, to estimate the responsiveness of other outcome measures, and to determine whether gait speed predicts discharge destination in acute stroke. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Five acute-care hospitals. PATIENTS: Fifty subjects with residual gait deficits after a first-time stroke. INTERVENTIONS: Five- (5mWT) and 10-meter walk tests (10mWT) at comfortable and maximum speeds, with 2 evaluations conducted an average +/- standard deviation (SD) of 8 +/- 3 and 38 +/- 5 days poststroke. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Standardized response mean (SRM = mean change/SD of change) was used to estimate responsiveness for each walk test, the Berg Balance Scale, the Barthel Index, the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM), and the Timed Up and Go (TUG). RESULTS: The SRMs were 1.22 and 1.00 for the 5mWT, and.92 and.83 for the 10mWT performed at a comfortable and maximum pace, respectively. The SRMs for the Berg Balance Scale, the Barthel Index, the STREAM, and the TUG were 1.04,.99,.89, and.73, respectively. The probability of discharge to a rehabilitation center for persons walking at < or = 0.3m/s or > 0.6m/s at the first evaluation was.95 and.22, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The 5mWT at a comfortable pace is recommended as the measure of choice for clinicians and researchers who need to detect longitudinal change in walking disability in the first 5 weeks poststroke.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2002

Six- and 24-month follow-up of pool exercise therapy and education for patients with fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE: To follow patients with fibromyalgia six and 24 months after they finished a six-month treatment programme. The programme comprised pool exercise therapy, adjusted to the patients' limitations, and education based on their health problems. METHODS: Twenty-six patients were examined six and 24 months after the completion of the treatment programme with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), SF-36, the 6-minute walk test, and the Grippit measure. The values obtained at the follow-up examinations were compared with the baseline and post-treatment values. RESULTS: As compared with baseline, symptom severity (FIQ, SF-36), physical function (FIQ, SF-36, 6-minute walk test) and quality of life (SF-36) still showed improvements six months after the completion of treatment (p <0.05). Pain (FIQ, SF-36), fatigue (FIQ, SF-36), walking ability, and social function (SF-36) still showed improvements 2 years after the completion of the programme as compared with the baseline values (p < 0.05). No significant changes were found for these variables, when the values obtained at the two follow-up examinations were compared with those of the post-treatment examination. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in symptom severity, physical function and social function were still found six and 24 months after the completed treatment programme.

Female↗

PubMed2006

Effects of nebivolol versus carvedilol on left ventricular function in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced left ventricular systolic function.

BACKGROUND: Beta-adrenoceptor antagonist (beta-blocker) therapy results in a significant improvement in left ventricular (LV) systolic function and prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure. Both carvedilol and nebivolol produce hemodynamic and clinical benefits in chronic heart failure, but it is unknown whether their peculiar pharmacologic properties produce different effects on LV function. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects on LV function of nebivolol compared with carvedilol in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced LV systolic function. METHODS: Seventy patients with a LV ejection fraction <or=40% and in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II or III were randomly assigned to receive carvedilol or nebivolol therapy for 6 months. At baseline and after 6 months of treatment, all patients were assessed clinically and by biochemical and hematological investigation, ECG, 24-hour Holter monitoring, echocardiogram, measurement of ventilatory function, and a 6-minute walk test. RESULTS: Compared with baseline values LV end-systolic volume decreased and LV ejection fraction increased in both the carvedilol (from 79 +/- 38mL to 73 +/- 43mL and from 33% +/- 6% to 37% +/- 11%) and the nebivolol group (from 72 +/- 35mL to 66 +/- 32mL and from 34% +/- 7% to 38% +/- 10%), although the between-group differences were not statistically significant. ECG data showed a decrease in resting HR in both groups (from 83 +/- 20 bpm to 66 +/- 11 bpm for carvedilol and from 81 +/- 15 bpm to 65 +/- 11 bpm for nebivolol; p < 0.001 vs baseline for both groups) but no difference in the PQ, QRS, and QT intervals. Hematologic (in particular, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide), Holter monitoring (with the exception of HR), and respiratory functional data did not show any significant variation in either group after 6 months' therapy. SBP and DBP decreased in both groups. A small reduction in mean NYHA functional class from baseline was seen in both groups (from 2.5 +/- 0.5 to 2.2 +/- 0.5 for carvedilol [p < 0.05] and from 2.3 +/- 0.4 to 2.2 +/- 0.5 for nebivolol [not significant]). The 6-minute walk test showed a trend toward an increase in the walking distance in both groups. During 6 months of treatment no significant differences in adverse events were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: Nebivolol is as effective as carvedilol in patients with symptomatic chronic heart failure and reduced LV systolic function.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

PubMed1999

Chronic motor neuropathies: response to interferon-beta1a after failure of conventional therapies.

OBJECTIVES: The effect of interferon-beta1a (INF-beta1a; Rebif) was studied in patients with chronic motor neuropathies not improving after conventional treatments such as immunoglobulins, steroids, cyclophosphamide or plasma exchange. METHODS: A prospective open study was performed with a duration of 6-12 months. Three patients with a multifocal motor neuropathy and one patient with a pure motor form of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy were enrolled. Three patients had anti-GM1 antibodies. Treatment consisted of subcutaneous injections of IBF-beta1a (6 MIU), three times a week. Primary outcome was assessed at the level of disability using the nine hole peg test, the 10 metres walking test, and the modified Rankin scale. Secondary outcome was measured at the impairment level using a slightly modified MRC sumscore. RESULTS: All patients showed a significant improvement on the modified MRC sumscore. The time required to walk 10 metres and to fulfil the nine hole peg test was also significantly reduced in the first 3 months in most patients. However, the translation of these results to functional improvement on the modified Rankin was only seen in two patients. There were no severe adverse events. Motor conduction blocks were partially restored in one patient only. Anti-GM1 antibody titres did not change. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that severely affected patients with chronic motor neuropathies not responding to conventional therapies may improve when treated with INF-beta1a. From this study it is suggested that INF-beta1a should be administered in patients with chronic motor neuropathies for a period of up to 3 months before deciding to cease treatment. A controlled trial is necessary to confirm these findings.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Coenzyme Q10 in patients with end-stage heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The number of patients awaiting heart transplantation is increasing in proportion to the waiting period for a donor. Studies have shown that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has a beneficial effect on patients with heart failure. HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of the present double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was to assess the effect of CoQ10 on patients with end-stage heart failure and to determine if CoQ10 can improve the pharmacological bridge to heart transplantation. METHODS: A prospective double-blind design was used. Thirty-two patients with end-stage heart failure awaiting heart transplantation were randomly allocated to receive either 60 mg U/day of Ultrasome--CoQ10 (special preparation to increase intestinal absorption) or placebo for 3 months. All patients continued their regular medication regimen. Assessments included anamnesis with an extended questionnaire based partially on the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, 6-min walk test, blood tests for atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and echocardiography. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients completed the study. The study group showed significant improvement in the 6-min walk test and a decrease in dyspnea, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, nocturia, and fatigue. No significant changes were noted after 3 months of treatment in echocardiography parameters (dimensions and contractility of cardiac chambers) or ANF and TNF blood levels. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of CoQ10 to heart transplant candidates led to a significant improvement in functional status, clinical symptoms, and quality of life. However, there were no objective changes in echo measurements or ANF and TNF blood levels. Coenzyme Q10 may serve as an optional addition to the pharmacologic armamentarium of patients with end-stage heart failure. The apparent discrepancy between significant clinical improvement and unchanged cardiac status requires further investigation.

Adult↗