The effect of concurrent aerobic-resistance training on NT-proBNP levels, blood pressure and body composition of patients with chronic heart failure

Background: Heart failure is associated with structural and functional changes of the heart and physical activity is a likely intervention to improve it. This study aimed at investigating the effect of concurrent aerobic-resistance exercise training on NT-proBNP levels, blood pressure and body composition in patients with chronic heart failure. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 76 patients with chronic heart failure Grade II and III, classifications of the New York Heart Association, EF≤ 40% and age range (72±7 years) randomly were divided into two equal intervention and control groups. The exercise protocol included aerobic exercises (50%-85% maximum heart rate) and resistance training (50%-70% one repeated maximum) for 2 months, three times a week. Blood pressure, body composition and serum NT-pro BNP levels were measured before and 8 weeks after the intervention.    Results: Eight weeks of combined exercise significantly reduced weight, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), heart rate and NT-proBNP in the intervention group (P<0.05). But, WHR and BMI showed no significant difference between the groups in post-test. Also, significant changes were not observed in blood pressure and mean arterial pressure within and between the groups. Conclusion: It seems that combined exercise training was effective in reducing weight and NT-proBNP. Therefore, the present training program can be proposed as non-pharmaceutical interventions for patients with heart failure.