الفهرس 
Effect of low frequency neuromuscular stimulation on sympathetic (ergoreflex) activity in advanced heart failure
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Abstract
Background: Heart failure is a syndrome characterized by cardiac dysfunction with either left ventricular dilation or hypertrophy causing cardinal manifestations of dyspnea, fatigue and exercise intolerance. Objectives: To determine the effect of low frequency neuromuscular stimulation on sympathetic activity in advanced heart failure. Methods: Thirty male patients with advanced heart failure were included in this study with mean± SD age of 56.13±1.13 years.They received eight weeks (four times a week) of increasing amplitude low frequency neuromuscular stimulation on Quadriceps and calf muscles after thorough assessment of ejection fraction, norepinephrine levels, six-minute walk test and assessment of disability via Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. Results: Statistical significant decline in sympathetic activity evidenced by Norepinephrine levels with a percentage of change of -9.28%, associated with an improvement in ejection fraction with a percentage of change in ejection fraction of 3.64%, an improvement in six-minute walk test by a percentage of 22.97% and improved functional, emotional and psychological status of the patients manifested by a decline in Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score by -24.06%.Conclusion: Low frequency neuromuscular stimulation altered sympathetic hyperactivity leading to higher functional levels