Changes in the structure of the heart and blood pressure after a period of concurrent endurance-resistance training in patients with chronic heart failure

Background: Exercise improves functional capacity by improving endothelial function and musculoskeletal aerobic metabolism, but its effects on hemodynamic control are not well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic and resistance trainings on structural changes and blood pressure in patients with heart failure. Materials and methods: 76 patients aged 65 to 79 years with EF≤40% were divided into two groups of training and control. The training group exercised endurance and resistance training for 8 weeks, three times a week for 45-60 minutes in hospital and had walking program for 4 days a week at home. Echocardiography and blood pressure indicators were measured before and after exercise. Data analysis were done using SPSS software at a significant level of 0.05. Results: Intra-group analysis of the experimental group by paired t-test and Wilcoxon tests showed a significant increase in LV ejection fraction and decreased end systolic and diastolic volume, diastolic interventricular septum and end diastolic and systolic diameters (p<0.05), and no changes in posterior wall thickness, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p>0.05). There were no significant changes in the control group in all the variables (p> 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that concurrent endurance and resistance training improves the structure and function of the heart in patients with chronic heart failure.