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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2020 Feb;39(2):181-191.
doi: 10.1177/0733464817746757. Epub 2018 Jan 18.

An Intervention to Improve Physical Function and Caregiver Perceptions in Family Caregivers of Persons With Heart Failure

Rebecca Gary  1 , Sandra B Dunbar  1 , Melinda Higgins  1 , Brittany Butts  2 , Elizabeth Corwin  1 , Kenneth Hepburn  1 , Javed Butler  3 , Andrew H Miller  4
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

An Intervention to Improve Physical Function and Caregiver Perceptions in Family Caregivers of Persons With Heart Failure

Rebecca Gary et al. J Appl Gerontol. 2020 Feb.

Erratum in

  • Corrigendum.
    [No authors listed] [No authors listed] J Appl Gerontol. 2020 Feb;39(2):NP1. doi: 10.1177/0733464818775576. Epub 2018 Apr 30. J Appl Gerontol. 2020. PMID: 29708007

Abstract

Objective: This randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine whether a 12-week home-based aerobic and resistance exercise program would improve physical function and caregiving perceptions among family caregivers (FCGs) of persons with heart failure. Method: Overall, 127 FCGs were randomized to one of three groups: usual care attention control (UCAC), psychoeducation only (PE), and psychoeducation plus exercise (PE + EX). Physical function measures (6-min walk test, handgrip, and upper and lower strength) and caregiving perceptions (Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale) were obtained at baseline and at 6 months. Results: FCGs in the PE + EX showed significant improvement in 6-min walk distance (p = .012), handgrip, and lower extremity strength compared with the PE and UCAC groups. The combined group had the greatest improvement in caregiver perceptions (p < .001). Conclusion: FCGs in the PE + EX group improved the most in physical function and caregiver perception outcomes. Directions for future research are provided.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01188070.

Keywords: exercise; family caregivers; heart failure.

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