NMES in HF Patients to Improve Functional Recovery Following Hospitalization

Heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization among adults in the US with patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) comprising half of those admissions. Many patients exhibit chronic fatigue, exercise intolerance and an inability to perform activities of daily living, which is exacerbated by hospitalization. The goal of this research study is to understand whether an at-home exercise program started soon after hospitalization and continuing for 4 weeks following discharge can improve functional recovery in HFpEF patients. Volunteers will be randomly assigned to receive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of their quadriceps muscles or not to receive NMES (control group). Volunteers will be evaluated during hospitalization and 4 weeks following discharge. Assessments will include measurements of physical function by 6 minute walk test and the Short Physical Performance Battery, as well as assessment of subjective physical functional capacity and quality of life using the Medical Outcomes Short form 36 and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy questionnaire.