Limits to the benefits of resistance training in heart disease
Researchers at the Center for Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, in Bad Schallerbach, Austria, compared 2 levels of resistance training combined with aerobic training in patients participating in cardiac rehabilitation.
First, the details.
- 295 older adults were randomly divided into 2 groups.
- Group 1: Resistance training; 2 sets × 12 repetitions per session 2 times per week
- Group 2: Resistance training; 3 sets × 15 repetitions
- A resistance training session consisted of 10 different resistance exercises.
- Patients also completed continuous moderate intensity aerobic training composed of cycle ergometry 6 times per week for 17 minutes and walking 5 times per week for 45 minutes.
- Blood pressure, heart rate, maximal oxygen consumption, and maximal power determined during cycle ergometry, strength determined via resistance training, and blood biochemistries were assessed.
And, the results.
- Statistical analysis revealed equivalent improvements in exercise capacity, muscular strength, hemodynamics, and blood chemistries regardless of resistance training volume.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Nearly doubling (3 sets × 15 repetitions vs 2 sets × 12 repetitions) the volume of resistance training as part of a residential cardiac rehabilitation program does not yield further improvement in strength and cardiovascular risk factors.”
9/12/11 20:45 JR
