The effects of resistance training on muscle strength, quality of life and aerobic capacity in patients with chronic heart failure - A meta-analysis

Catherine Giuliano; Amalia Karahalios; Christopher Neil; Jason Allen; Itamar Levinger

doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.11.023

The effects of resistance training on muscle strength, quality of life and aerobic capacity in patients with chronic heart failure - A meta-analysis

Int J Cardiol. 2017 Jan 15:227:413-423. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.11.023. Epub 2016 Nov 7.

Authors

Catherine Giuliano¹, Amalia Karahalios², Christopher Neil³, Jason Allen⁴, Itamar Levinger⁵

Affiliations

¹ 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.
² Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: emily.karahalios@unimelb.edu.au.
³ 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.
⁴ 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.
⁵ 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.

PMID: 27843045
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.11.023

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 (VO_2peak and 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^-¹ and 180°/s^-¹. RT increased VO_2peak (CSMD: 2.71ml/kg/min; 1.96, 3.45) and QoL (CSMD: -5.71; -9.85, -1.56).

Conclusion: 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.

Keywords: Aerobic capacity; Chronic heart failure; Meta-analysis; Muscle strength; Quality of life; Systematic review.

Publication types

Meta-Analysis
Review
Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Chronic Disease
Exercise Tolerance*
Heart Failure / physiopathology
Heart Failure / psychology
Heart Failure / rehabilitation*
Humans
Muscle Strength*
Quality of Life*
Resistance Training*