RESUMO
BACKGROUND/AIM: The association of frailty with heart failure (HF) is common in the elderly, and its presence is a poor prognostic factor; it increases the risk of falls, disability, hospitalization, and mortality. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the incidence of physical frailty in patients with HF and the role of physical exercise in improving physical performance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 141 patients with musculoskeletal pathology, aged over 65 years, who followed a specific physical training program were included. The patients were assigned to two groups: HF patients -group HF (n=53) and patients without HF -group N-HF (n=88). RESULTS: At cohort level, mild and moderate frailty was detected in 20.56% of patients enrolled in the study (n=29). Severe form of frailty was identified in 2.83% of cases (n=4). The prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe frailty in the two groups differed significantly (p<0.05). Patients with mild frailty and moderate frailty in the HF group represented 24.52% compared to 18.18% in the N-HF group (p=0.007). Severe frailty was present in 5.66% in the HF group, not significantly different from the N-HF group (1.13%), p=0.317. The values obtained in the functional independence and functional performance domains were significantly improved at the reassessment after 6 months. CONCLUSION: Exercise-based rehabilitation is a primary therapy for improving physical performance, reflected by increased independence related to daily activities and functional performance in HF patients.
