Aim: 

Chronic changes induced by aerobic and resistance training in chronic heart failure patients (CHF) are not completely documented. In the present study we wanted to compare the metabolic changes obtained by two different exercise training in CHF.

Methods: 

We trained 18 (all males, age 66.5±5.2yy, NYHA class II) CHF patients carrying an implantable defibrillator, for safety reasons. Training lasted 16 weeks 3 times/week; 6 subjects (ATG) performed aerobic and 12 subjects (ITG) resistance training. Pre and post training incremental 10W*min^-1 cyclergometer tests allowed evaluation of first (VT₁) and second (VT₂) ventilatory thresholds by Wasserman method.

Results: 

After the training, the mechanical and metabolic powers increased: VT1 54.2 to 73.3 watt (VO₂ 0.8 to 1.0 l/min) in ITG and 50.8 to 66.7 watt (VO₂ 0.9 to 1.1 l/min) in ATG; VT₂ 68.3 to 90 watt (VO₂ 1.1 to 1.2 l/min) in ITG and 79.2 to 90.8 watt (VO₂ 1.2 to 1.4 l/min) in ATG. All changes were significant (P<0.05). Resistance training seems to be as effective as classical specific aerobic training in inducing improvements both in VT₁ and VT₂.

Conclusion: 

The results could reflect an improvement of O₂ delivery an utilization systems (VT₁) and a refinement of plasma bicarbonate lactic acid buffering capacity (VT₂). Overall, this is a very important outcome in CHF patients.