To compare the effectiveness of 2 different volumes of resistance training (RT) combined with aerobic training in residential cardiac rehabilitation (CR).
Randomized prospective cohort study.
Center for inpatient CR.
Patients (N=295) with a mean age ± SD of 62.7±11.7 years participated in the study.
Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups (group 1 and group 2) with different volumes of RT; 2 sets × 12 repetitions (REPS) (group 1) and 3 sets × 15 REPS (group 2) per session, 2 times per week; each RT session consisting of 10 different resistance exercises. In addition, patients also completed continuous moderate intensity aerobic training composed of cycle ergometry 6 times per week for 17±4 minutes (mean ± SD) and walking 5 times per week for 45 minutes.
At entry and after 26±4 (mean ± SD) days of CR, blood pressure, heart rate, maximal oxygen consumption, and maximal power determined during cycle ergometry, strength determined via RT, and blood biochemistries were assessed. Data were analyzed via a 2-way (group × time) repeated measures analysis of variance.
Statistical analysis revealed equivalent improvements in exercise capacity, muscular strength, hemodynamics, and blood chemistries regardless of RT volume (comparison-wise type I error rate, α<.01).
Our results show that nearly doubling (3 sets × 15 REPS vs 2 sets × 12 REPS) the volume of RT as part of a residential CR program does not yield further improvement in strength and cardiovascular risk factors.