Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively. This can happen due to changes in the heart's structure or function, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced ability to exercise. These symptoms often worsen the patient's quality of life and increase hospital visits. Exercise is known to help people with heart failure by improving blood flow to the muscles and increasing physical strength. Starting exercise early, even during hospitalization, may help prevent the negative effects of being inactive and improve recovery. Some patients with advanced heart failure may need a heart transplant. While waiting for a transplant, these patients often receive intravenous medications to support heart function. However, they may become weaker and lose physical capacity during this time. This study will test whether a supervised exercise program during hospitalization can help improve physical ability and exercise tolerance in patients with advanced heart failure who are on the heart transplant waiting list and receiving intravenous medication. The goal is to help these patients stay stronger and more stable while they wait for a transplant.
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The study aims to compare pre- and post-intervention 6MWT in a single-arm design. Sample size estimates will test 20-30m differences, assuming 0.5 correlation, SD of 42.4, and 5% type I error for power calculations.
Timeframe: 2 days for evaluation, 8 weeks of rehabilitation protocol intervention, and 2 days for re-evaluation
Luciana Malosá Sampaio Luciana Malosá Sampaio, lead researcher