Effects of combined aerobic and resistance training in patients with heart failure: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials

Cardiac rehabilitation programs consisting of core features of exercise training for patients with heart failure have demonstrated a wide range of physical and psychological benefits. In study, a meta-analysis of combined aerobic and resistance training was conducted on various outcomes in patients with heart failure. Database searches included EMBASE, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, OVID, and CINAHL. Only randomized, controlled trials were included. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. In total, 12 studies and 516 patients were included. The results demonstrated that combined aerobic and resistance training is effective in promoting exercise capacity, muscle strength, and 6 min walk distance. Furthermore, combined training significantly improves the quality of life of patients with heart failure. However, there was no significant difference found for outcomes of depression and sleep. Future studies with rigorous methodological designs and long-term follow ups are recommended to evaluate the sustainable benefits of combined aerobic and resistance intervention programs.