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 ((V)overdot O-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 (V)overdot O-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.