Effects of a short exercise protocol, with or without the application of low level laser therapy in patients hospitalized with heart failure: randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Heart failure affects the cardiovascular and even the musculoskeletal and immune systems. In the hospital, the pathophysiology of the disease is enhanced by the effects of immobility and prolonged bed rest. As a consequence, there is even greater decrease in exercise tolerance, quality of life and worse survival. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of an exercise protocol of short duration, with or without the association of low power laser therapy applied in rectus femoris, in the functional capacity and inflammatory markers in patients with systolic heart failure in-hospital. Will be evaluated patients diagnosed with systolic heart failure and then randomized into three groups: control group who hold conventional physiotherapy (n = 18), intervention group 1 who hold exercise protocol on a cycle ergometer (n = 18) and intervention group 2 which hold beyond exercise protocol, photostimulation with low power laser therapy in rectus femoris (n = 18). All groups will receive treatment twice a day during hospitalization. Patients will be evaluated through tests of lung function, peripheral and respiratory muscle strength, functionality, and quality of life questionnaire, in addition to assessment of inflammatory mediators. All the evaluation will be conducted by the same professional blinded to study subjects.