The rationale for exercise training patients with congestive heart failure

Congestive heart failure is common and results in significant disability. Alterations in skeletal muscle function and metabolism could contribute to the clinical state. Exercise training might favorably alter these factors leading to improved symptoms, functional capacity, and clinical outcomes. The data accumulated to date would suggest exercise training is beneficial and safe in heart failure patients. However, the number of studies examining this question has been limited and even fewer of these have had a randomized controlled design. Studies are required to examine whether certain groups of patients benefit more than others from exercise training. Future research is required to explore which methods of exercise training are most effective and the mechanisms responsible for any improvement following training. Finally, there should be assessment of the effects of exercise training on morbidity and mortality.