title: The effects of resistance training on muscle strength, quality of life and aerobic capacity in patients with chronic heart failure - A meta-analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Resistance training (RT) has been utilised to target muscle dysfunction associated with Chronic Heart Failure (CHF). However, there is limited meta-analysis evidence to support its use as a standalone therapy. This meta-analysis examined the effects of RT on muscle strength (one repetition maximum, 1RM and Peak Torque), aerobic capacity (VO2peakand 6min walk distance) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with CHF.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane and CINAHL for studies published up to July 2016, combining terms related to the population (eg, heart failure, CHF) with terms for the intervention (eg, resistance, strength training) and the outcomes (eg, QoL, VO2peak,strength, aerobic capacity).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten studies including 240 participants were included in our meta-analysis (aged 48-76years, Ejection Fraction 18-37%). Training duration ranged from 8 to 24weeks and intensity up to 80% of 1RM. RT increased 1RM (standardised change score=0.60; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.43, 0.77) but not strength measured via peak torque at 60°/s-1and 180°/s-1. RT increased VO2peak(CSMD: 2.71ml/kg/min; 1.96, 3.45) and QoL (CSMD: -5.71; -9.85, -1.56).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RT as a single intervention can increase muscle strength, aerobic capacity and QoL in patients with CHF and may offer an alternative approach, particularly for those unable to participate in aerobic training. The effect of RT on muscle strength is mainly during slow controlled movements and not during rapid movements. Older adults and patients with advanced CHF are underrepresented in RT trials and future studies should seek to optimise their inclusion.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Exercise Science Research Program, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia; Western Health, Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: Catherine.giuliano@vu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giuliano
authors.affiliation: Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: emily.karahalios@unimelb.edu.au.
authors.forename: Amalia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karahalios
authors.affiliation: Clinical Exercise Science Research Program, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia; Western Health, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine-Western Precinct at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: Christopher.neil@wh.org.au.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Neil
authors.affiliation: Clinical Exercise Science Research Program, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia; Western Health, Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: Jason.allen@vu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.affiliation: Clinical Exercise Science Research Program, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia; Western Health, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: Itamar.levinger@vu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Itamar
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Levinger
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D053580:Muscle Strength; D011788:Quality of Life; D055070:Resistance Training
keywords: Aerobic capacity; Chronic heart failure; Meta-analysis; Muscle strength; Quality of life; Systematic review