Submaximal Oxygen Uptake Kinetics, Functional Mobility, and Physical Activity in Older Adults with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction

Authors

Scott L. Hummel, University of Michigan
John Herald, University of Michigan
Craig Alpert, University of Michigan
Kimberlee A. Gretebeck, Marquette UniversityFollow
Wendy S. Champoux, Oakland University
Donald R. Dengel, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Peter V. Vaitkevicius, Aspirus Health System
Neil B. Alexander, University Of MichiganFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2016

Publisher

Institute of Geriatric Cardiology

Source Publication

Journal of Geriatric Cardiology

Source ISSN

1671-5411

Abstract

Background: Submaximal oxygen uptake measures are more feasible and may better predict clinical cardiac outcomes than maximal tests in older adults with heart failure (HF). We examined relationships between maximal oxygen uptake, submaximal oxygen kinetics, functional mobility, and physical activity in older adults with HF and reduced ejection fraction.

Methods: Older adults with HF and reduced ejection fraction (n = 25, age 75 ± 7 years) were compared to 25 healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Assessments included a maximal treadmill test for peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), oxygen uptake kinetics at onset of and on recovery from a submaximal treadmill test, functional mobility testing [Get Up and Go (GUG), Comfortable Gait Speed (CGS), Unipedal Stance (US)], and self-reported physical activity (PA).

Results: Compared to controls, HF had worse performance on GUG, CGS, and US, greater delays in submaximal oxygen uptake kinetics, and lower PA. In controls, VO2peak was more strongly associated with functional mobility and PA than submaximal oxygen uptake kinetics. In HF patients, submaximal oxygen uptake kinetics were similarly associated with GUG and CGS as VO2peak, but weakly associated with PA.

Conclusions: Based on their mobility performance, older HF patients with reduced ejection fraction are at risk for adverse functional outcomes. In this population, submaximal oxygen uptake measures may be equivalent to VO2 peak in predicting functional mobility, and in addition to being more feasible, may provide better insight into how aerobic function relates to mobility in older adults with HF.

Comments

Published version. Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, Vol. 13, No. 5 (July 2016): 450-457. PMID: 27594875. © 2016 Institute of Geriatric Cardiology. Used with permission.

Kimberlee Gretebeck was affiliated with the University of Wisconsin – Madison at the time of publication.

Recommended Citation

Hummel, Scott L.; Herald, John; Alpert, Craig; Gretebeck, Kimberlee A.; Champoux, Wendy S.; Dengel, Donald R.; Vaitkevicius, Peter V.; and Alexander, Neil B., "Submaximal Oxygen Uptake Kinetics, Functional Mobility, and Physical Activity in Older Adults with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction" (2016). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 873.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/873