The use of a new type of heart rate-controlled training system HeartGo for patients with chronic Heart failure on the pedelec.

Summary: Background: The study "HI-Herz.BIKE Saar" (August 2017 - September 2019) examined health benefits and training effects of e-bikes (pedelecs) in patients with moderate chronic heart failure (CHF) from ambulatory heart groups. Method: The presented study is explicitly marked as a pilot study. 10 subjects with CHF NYHA stage II-III and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of <=50% were selected. In our study, we are the first to employ the novel HeartGo system which allows for heart rate controlled training on pedelecs via a smartphone app. Training groups were accompanied during bike rides by a medical doctor and a paramedic. No cardiac complications occurred. Every six months, training sessions increased in duration, distance, and target frequency. Parameters measured were frequency behaviour, pedaling and motor load on the pedelec as well as clinical data such as ejection fraction, the biomarker NT-pro BNP, risk factors, arterial blood pressure and ergometric courses. Results: Power tolerance increased by almost 2.5 times, while a discrete decrease of the resting heart rate by 3.7% was observed and pedaling power improved accordingly. Clinical data show significant increases in well-being determined by questionnaire, in ergometric power by 45%, and in the LVEF by 29%. This was paralleld by a significant decrease in the NT-pro BNP value by 27% and in systolic blood pressure by 11%. Body Mass Index (BMI) remained constant at 27 and cholesterol levels showed no significant changes. Conclusions: Pedaling according to this pilot study with its methodological limitations of low numbers was safe and accompanied by significant health benefits in patient with CHF. Moreover, subjects were enthusiastic and satisfied with this form of training. Therefore, pedelec training using the HeartGo system could be a helpful tool in the training process of heart group participants with stable CHF. The results of this pilot study with its methodological weaknesses should be verified in a larger follow-up study. Key words: Pedelec, e-bike, heart rate control, heart failure, physical activity