Abstract 16963: A Novel Rehabilitation Intervention for Older Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: the REHAB-HF Pilot Study

• Published in: Circulation (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 130; no. suppl_2
• Main Authors: Reeves, Gordon R, Patel, Mahesh J, Whellan, David J, O’Connor, Christopher, Eggebeen, Joel D, Duncan, Pamela, Morgan, Timothy M, Hewston, Leigh A, Pastva, Amy, Adams, Patricia A, Adams, Suzanne, Kitzman, Dalane W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 25.11.2014
• ISSN: 0009-7322; 1524-4539
• DOI: 10.1161/circ.130.suppl_2.16963

Abstract only Introduction: Exercise training improves outcomes in patients with chronic, stable heart failure (HF). However, little is known regarding patients with acute decompensated HF (ADHF) who are typically elderly, frail, with multiple co-morbidities and frequent rehospitalizations. Hypothesis: A novel rehabilitation intervention in older patients hospitalized for ADHF will be feasible and safe, improve physical function and reduce rehospitalizations. Methods: This was a 3-site, randomized, attention-controlled pilot study of a tailored, progressive, multi-domain (strength, balance, mobility and endurance) rehabilitation intervention beginning in the hospital and continuing for 12 weeks post-discharge. The primary outcome was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, a standardized measure of physical function in frail elderly, assessed by a blinded observer; the secondary outcome was rehospitalizations. Results: We enrolled 27 patients aged 60-98 years: 59% women, 56% African-American, 41% preserved EF. Patients had ~ 5 co-morbidities and markedly impaired physical function; > 50% were frail. Characteristics were similar between groups. Study retention (89%) and intervention adherence (93%) were excellent. Figure 1 shows change in SPPB score and 6-minute walk distance. All-cause rehospitalizations were reduced by 29% (1.16±0.35 vs. 1.64±0.39) and all-cause rehospitalization days were reduced by 47% (6.0± 2.5 vs. 11.4±2.8) at 6 month follow-up. The change in SPPB score explained 90% of the reduction in all-cause rehospitalizations. There were no adverse events related to the intervention. Conclusions: These findings support the feasibility, safety and potential efficacy of a novel multi-domain rehabilitation intervention to improve physical function and reduce rehospitalizations in older, frail ADHF patients with multiple comorbidities. An NIH-funded multi-center trial is being launched to confirm these findings.