Effects of exergaming and yoga on exercise capacity and physical and mental health in heart failure patients: a randomized sub-study.

This study investigated the effects of exergaming and medical yoga on exercise capacity, symptoms, and quality of life in patients with heart failure over a 12-month period. In a randomized sub-study of 104 Swedish patients, exergaming improved exercise capacity, fatigue, shortness of breath, and physical health-related quality of life, while medical yoga reduced fatigue and enhanced emotional health-related quality of life. No statistically significant differences were found between the three groups (exergaming, medical yoga, and active control) in overall treatment effects, but within-group analyses indicated benefits from both interventions compared to the control group, which showed no improvements and a decline in well-being at 3 months. The findings suggest that exergaming and medical yoga may serve as alternative physical activity options for symptomatic heart failure patients who are less inclined to engage in traditional exercise programs.