Studies have shown that functional capacity and endothelial function in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients with impaired systolic function can be improved with a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). To throw more light onto this previous finding, Dr. A Karavidas and coworkers performed the present study that investigated for first time the effectiveness of FES on exercise capacity, endothelial function and echocardiographic indices of diastolic function in CHF patients with preserved systolic function (Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, LVEF>50%).
Study population consisted of 30 NYHA II-III CHF patients with preserved systolic function (mean age: 69±8 years; LVEF: 63±6%; Male/Female: 9/21) who were randomized (1:1) to a 6-week FES training program or placebo treatment.
As a part of this study protocol, researchers assessed the questionnaires addressing quality of life [Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), functional and overall], 6-min walking distance test (6MWT), endothelial function (Flow Mediated Dilatation, FMD) and TDI echocardiographic index of cardiac filling pressures E/e ratio at baseline and after completion of training protocol.
Findings from this study showed a significant improvement in KCCQ functional, KCCQ overall, 6 MWT and FMD was observed in the FES group compared to placebo (table).
Table: Functional Electrical Stimulation group compared to placebo
|
|
F
|
p
|
|
KCCQ functional
|
6.81
|
0.014
|
|
KCCQ overall
|
8.68
|
0.006
|
|
6 MWT
|
21.61
|
<0.001
|
|
FMD
|
22.3
|
<0.001
|
|
TDI E/e ratio
|
3.03
|
0.09
|
A decrease in TDI E/e ratio was reported by the patients in the FES group when compared with placebo (table).
In conclusion this study demonstrated that Functional Electrical Stimulation improved endothelial function, exercise capacity and quality of life in CHF patients with preserved systolic function. This study also indicated a trend for reduction of cardiac filling pressures at the end of this study, with this treatment modality. | 
