Effects of aerobic or aerobic and resistance training on cardiorespiratory and skeletal muscle function in heart failure: a randomized controlled pilot trial.
OBJECTIVE
To examined the effects of different training modalities on exercise capacity (Vo( 2peak)), systolic function, muscular strength and endurance and quality of life in heart failure patients.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Cardiac rehabilitation centre in Canada.


METHODS
Forty-two individuals with heart failure (62 +/- 12 years; New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes I-III).


METHODS
Aerobic training (n = 14), combined aerobic and resistance training (n = 15) or usual care (n = 13) three times per week for 12 weeks.


METHODS
(1) Vo( 2peak) measured by symptom-limited graded exercise test on cycle ergometer; (2) systolic function assessed by two-dimensional echocardiography; (3) muscular strength and muscular endurance measured by one-repetition maximum procedure; and (4) quality of life assessed by questionnaires.


RESULTS
In the intention-to-treat analysis, neither aerobic nor combined aerobic and resistance training significantly improved Vo(2peak), systolic function or quality of life compared with usual care. However, combined aerobic and resistance training significantly improved upper extremity strength (40.7 (14.0)-48.5 (16.0) kg, P<0.05) and muscular endurance (5.7 (2.7)-11.6 (7.6) reps, P<0.05) compared with aerobic training or usual care. In compliant participants (exercise adherence 80%), Vo(2peak) increased in the aerobic group (16.9 (6.0)-19.0 (6.8), P= 0.026) and tended to increase in the combined training group (15.9 (5.0)-17.6 (5.6), P= 0.058) compared with usual care. Quality of life was improved in the aerobic group only.


CONCLUSIONS
Both aerobic and combined aerobic and resistance training are effective interventions to improve Vo(2peak) in compliant heart failure patients. Combined training may be more effective in improving muscle strength and endurance.
Mandic
Sandra
S
Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. mandic.sandra@gmail.com
Tymchak
Wayne
W
Kim
Daniel
D
Daub
Bill
B
Quinney
H Arthur
HA
Taylor
Dylan
D
Al-Kurtass
Suhaib
S
Haykowsky
Mark J
MJ
D000368:Aged; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000502:physiology