Exergaming in Patients with a Left Ventricular Assist Device. A Feasibility Study

Introduction: Exercise games (exergames) have been recently used as a mode of facilitating physical activity in patients with chronic diseases. Patients supported with Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) benefit from physical activity but may face specific challenges exergaming. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of exergaming in LVAD supported patients

Methods: Eleven LVAD supported patients were enrolled in a 4-week exergaming program using Nintendo Wii console with five sport games. Patients were instructed to play for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Data were collected on exercise capacity measured by the six-minute walking test (6MWT) and on exergaming time and specific LVAD related issues using daily self-report diary. Feasibility of using the console was assessed by a semi structured patient interview. Quality of life was measured with the Minnesota Living with Heart failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and the Cantril`s ladder of life satisfaction.

Results: The study group consisted of 10 males (91%), mean age of 67 years, of whom 10 (91%) were supported with the HearMate3 for a median of 9 months. No specific LVAD related issues regarding exergaming were reported. Baseline exercise capacity assessed by the 6MWT ranged from 240 to 570 meters (mean 449±86). After 4 weeks of exergaming, a significant improvement in the exercise capacity, (evaluated in 6 patients) was observed: increase in the 6MWT to 472±113 meters (p=0.023). On the ladder of life satisfaction scale, patients improved from an average of 6.13 to 7.67 as did their quality of life from 45.9± 27 to 38.7± 18 (with MLHFQ lower scores reflecting higher quality of life).

Conclusion: Exergaming is a safe and feasible mode for encouraging physical activity in LVAD supported patients, with the potential for improving exercise capacity and quality of life in this group of patients.