Abstract
Background
Resistance training (RT) is safe and practicable in low-risk populations with coronary artery disease. In patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction after an acute ischaemic event, few data exist about the impact of RT on LV remodelling.
Methods
In this prospective, randomized, controlled study, 38 patients, after a first myocardial infarction and a maximum ejection fraction (EF) of 45%, were assigned either to combined endurance training (ET)/RT (n = 17; 15 men; 54.7 ± 9.4 years and EF: 40.3 ± 4.5%) or to ET alone (n = 21; 17 men; 57.0 ± 9.6 years and EF: 41.9 ± 4.9%) for 12 weeks. ET was effectuated at an intensity of 70–85% of peak heart rate; RT, between 40 and 60% of the one-repetition maximum. LV remodelling was assessed by MRI.
Results
No statistically significant differences between the groups in the changes of end-diastolic volume (P = 0.914), LV mass (P = 0.885) and EF (P = 0.763) were observed. Over 1 year, the end-diastolic volume increased from 206 ± 41 to 210 ± 48 ml (P = 0.379) vs. 183 ± 44 to 186 ± 52 ml (P = 0.586); LV mass from 149 ± 28 to 155 ± 31 g (P = 0.408) vs. 144 ± 36 to 149 ± 42g (P = 0.227) and EF from 49.1 ± 12.3 to 49.3 ± 12.0% (P = 0.959) vs. 51.5 ± 13.1 to 54.1% (P = 0.463), in the ET/RT and ET groups, respectively. Peak VO2 and muscle strength increased significantly in both groups, but no difference between the groups was noticed.
Conclusion
RT with an intensity of up to 60% of the one-repetition maximum, after an acute myocardial infarction, does not lead to a more pronounced LV dilatation than ET alone. A combined ET/RT, or ET alone, for 3 months can both increase the peak VO2 and muscle strength significantly.
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