Effect of Ground-Based Walk Training in Pulmonary Hypertension.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the effect of ground-based walking training on exercise capacity, physical activity, quadriceps muscle strength, and quality of life in patients with pulmonary hypertension.
Results Summary
The walking group showed significant improvements in endurance capacity, maximal exercise capacity, and step count, but no significant changes were observed in 6-minute walk distance, physical activity, quadriceps muscle strength, or quality of life compared to the control group. No adverse effects were reported.
Population
Patients with pulmonary hypertension (n=24).
Effective Dosage
30-minute supervised walking 2 days/week plus unsupervised walking at least 1 day/week.
Duration
8 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ground-based walking training | increase | endurance capacity | patients with pulmonary hypertension | - | significantly improved | #1 |
ground-based walking training | increase | maximal exercise capacity | patients with pulmonary hypertension | - | significantly improved | #2 |
ground-based walking training | increase | the number of steps | patients with pulmonary hypertension | - | significantly improved | #3 |
ground-based walking training | no change | 6-minute walk distance | patients with pulmonary hypertension | - | were similar | #4 |
ground-based walking training | no change | physical activity | patients with pulmonary hypertension | - | were similar | #5 |
ground-based walking training | no change | quadriceps muscle strength | patients with pulmonary hypertension | - | were similar | #6 |
ground-based walking training | no change | quality of life (QoL) | patients with pulmonary hypertension | - | were similar | #7 |
ground-based walking training | increase | quadriceps muscle strength | patients with pulmonary hypertension | - | improved | #8 |
This study aimed to determine the effect of ground-based walking training on exercise capacity, physical activity, quadriceps muscle strength, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with pulmonary hypertension. A total of 24 patients were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups as the walking group or the control group. The walking group participated in 30-minute supervised ground-based walking training 2 days/week for 8 weeks. Also, they walked unsupervised at least 1 day/week. The control group received no intervention. The number of weekly steps taken in both groups was recorded using a pedometer. In addition to the sociodemographic and clinic characteristics of the patients, the endurance shuttle walk test, incremental shuttle walk test, and 6-minute walk test were used for the evaluation of exercise capacity, and an activity monitor and pedometer for physical activity, a dynamometer for quadriceps muscle strength, and emPHasis-10 for QoL. After 8 weeks, endurance capacity, maximal exercise capacity, and the number of steps significantly improved in the walking group (p <0.05). The 6-minute walk distance, physical activity, quadriceps muscle strength, and QoL were similar in both groups (p >0.05). The results of the study showed that ground-based walking could improve endurance capacity, maximal exercise capacity, and the number of steps. Quadriceps muscle strength also improved in the walking group. No adverse effects were reported during the training period. Ground-based walking training can be performed safely in patients with pulmonary hypertension.