A new study shows that a comprehensive program combining nutrition counseling, exercise, and support can help older adults with heart failure become less frail and feel better overall. The research, published in a peer-reviewed journal, tested a 12-week program called NICE-Support in 240 adults aged 20 and older with stable heart failure. Participants were treated at two medical centers in Taiwan.
Half of the participants received the NICE-Support program, which included nutritional counseling, three in-person nursing consultations, a structured exercise plan, social media support, and biweekly follow-up calls. The other half received standard nursing care and routine discharge education. Researchers measured frailty and quality of life at 4, 12, and 24 weeks.
Results showed that both groups improved, but the NICE-Support group improved significantly more. Frailty scores dropped by an average of 8.11 points more in the intervention group compared to the control group, and quality of life scores improved by 22.71 points more. The effects were large, with Cohen's d values of 1.17 for frailty and 0.87 for quality of life.
No safety concerns were reported in the study. The researchers recommend integrating this program into routine care for heart failure patients. However, the study was conducted in Taiwan, so results may vary in other populations. Patients should talk to their doctor before starting any new diet or exercise program.
