Exercise Training Improves Cognitive Function and Neurovascular Control in Patients With Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

• DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.29.24306591
• Publication Date: 2024-05-02T13:55:14Z
• Authors: Guilherme Veiga G...; Paulo Roberto Chi...; Veridiana Moraes ...; Paulo Roberto San...; Raphaela Villar G...; Leandro Silva Alves; Edimar Alcides Bo...
• Keywords: Neurovascular bundle; Cognitive Training

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) may be linked to cognitive impairment in heart failure (HF) patients. Regular exercise training has numerous benefits, including improving adults’ overall health and function. However, the effects of on function patients with reduced ejection fraction permanent atrial (HFAF) are not well understood. Objective To test hypothesis that improves neurovascular control HFAF. Methods This randomized clinical trial included HFAF, LVEF ≤40%, resting HR ≤80 bpm. Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (MoCA), muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), forearm blood flow (FBF) assessment were performed before after 12-week protocol period. Results Twenty-six (HFAF-trained, n=13) or no (HFAF-untrained, n=13). At baseline, differences between groups found. Exercise significantly improved MoCA from 14.85 22.62 ( P <0.0001), as those measuring processing visuospatial, memory, attention 2.23 3.31 =0.02); 1.92 2.69 =0.01); 2.62 3.85 =0.002), respectively. HFAF-training decreased MSNA 49.6±9.5 32.0±7.2 burst/min <0.0001) vascular resistance 48.8±13.1 28.1±7 units <0.0001). Concomitantly, FBF increased 1.9±0.5 3.0±0.7 mL/min/100mL The untrained group 50.9±10.6 57.6±9.2 =0.004). No significant changes found other variables Conclusion fibrillation.