Combined aerobic and resistance exercise training improves functional capacity and strength in CHF.
This study examined the effect of a novel circuit weight training (CWT) program on cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and body composition in 13 patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), using a prospective randomized crossover protocol. Peak exercise oxygen uptake (VO(2 peak)) increased after the 8-wk CWT program (19. 5 +/- 1.2 vs. 22.0 +/- 1.5 ml. kg(-1). min(-1), P < 0.01), as did exercise test duration (15.2 +/- 0.9 vs. 18.0 +/- 1.1 min, P < 0. 001). Submaximal exercise heart rate was lower after training at 60 and 80 W (121 +/- 3 vs. 134 +/- 5 beats/min, P < 0.01) as was rate pressure product, whereas ventilatory threshold increased, from 52 +/- 3 to 58 +/- 3% of VO(2 peak) (P < 0.05). CWT also increased maximal isotonic voluntary contractile strength for seven different muscle groups, from 392 to 462 kg (P = 0.001). CWT, an exercise prescription specifically targeting peripheral abnormalities in CHF, improves functional capacity and muscular strength in these patients.
Maiorana
A
A
Departments of Human Movement and Exercise Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6907, Australia.
O'Driscoll
G
G
Cheetham
C
C
Collis
J
J
Goodman
C
C
Rankin
S
S
Taylor
R
R
Green
D
D
D000886:Anthropometry; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies