0000000000281923
AUTHOR
Bruno Grassi
Neuromuscular Adaptations to Low-Frequency Stimulation Training in a Patient with Chronic Heart Failure
Electrical myostimulation (EMS) has recently been proposed as an interesting rehabilitation tool in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Although its beneficial effects on exercise capacity and muscle strength have been demonstrated, the neuromuscular adaptations responsible for improved performance are not well understood. This preliminary case report was therefore planned to investigate the neural and muscular adaptations to a 5-wk EMS program in one patient. An increase in maximal strength (10.5%) was accompanied by increased twitch torque (13.9%) and slowing of muscle contractile properties (half-relaxation time, time to peak torque, and maximal rate of relaxation increased by 7.1…
Comparison of low-frequency electrical myostimulation and conventional aerobic exercise training in patients with chronic heart failure.
Physical training is recommended as an efficient therapy in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Low-frequency electrical myostimulation (EMS) has recently been suggested as a good alternative to conventional aerobic training. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of EMS and conventional exercise training in patients with moderate to severe CHF.Twenty-four patients with stable CHF (56.7+/-7.3 years, New York Heart Association grades II and III) underwent 5 weeks of exercise training, 5 h a week, using EMS (n=12) or conventional (n=12) training programmes. At baseline and after the training period, patients performed a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary test, a 6-min and a 200-…
Effects of a one-year exercise training program in adults over 70 years old: a study with a control group
Background and aims: Exercise training is known to improve exercise tolerance in elderly subjects. Therefore the present study aimed at investigating the effects of one year of combined endurance and resistance training in healthy older people. Methods: After baseline evaluation, subjects were assigned to either the training group (n=24, age 77.2±3.6) or the control group (n=16, age 76.1±4.8). Subjects in the control group did not change anything in their everyday activities, whereas subjects in the training group underwent moderately intensive combined exercise training, 3 hours a week over the course of one year. Breath-by-breath oxygen uptake and heart rate were measured at each workload…