Resistance training increased 6-minute walk distance compared to no training , but had no other benefits on cardiac function , exercise capacity , or quality of life if used alone or as an adjunct to aerobic training in people with chronic heart failure .
QUESTION Does resistance training , either alone or as an adjunct to aerobic training , improve cardiac function , exercise capacity and quality of life in people with chronic heart failure ?
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 prospect i ve r and omized 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
Resistance training increased 6-minute walk distance compared to no training , but had no other benefits on cardiac function , exercise capacity , or quality of life if used alone or as an adjunct to aerobic training in people with chronic heart failure .
QUESTION Does resistance training , either alone or as an adjunct to aerobic training , improve cardiac function , exercise capacity and quality of life in people with chronic heart failure ?