Effect of combined aerobic and resistance training on peak oxygen consumption, muscle strength and health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of combined aerobic and resistance training on peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2), minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2 slope), muscle strength and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in heart failure patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF). We searched Cochrane, Pubmed, and PEDro (from the earliest date available to September 2018) for RCTs that evaluated the effects of combined aerobic and resistance training in HFrEF patients. Weighted mean differences (WMD), standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. 39 studies met the study criteria, including 2008 patients, 14 compared combined aerobic and resistance training versus aerobic training, and 25 compared combined aerobic and resistance training versus control. Compared to aerobic training, combined aerobic and resistance training resulted in improvement in muscle strength SMD 0.7 (95% CI: 0.3 to 1.0 N = 167) and, HRQoL WMD –2.6 (95% CI: −5.0 to −0.1 N = 138). A nonsignificant difference in peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope was found for participants in the combined aerobic and resistance training group compared with aerobic training group. Compared to control, combined aerobic and resistance training resulted in improvement in peak VO2 WMD 2.9 (95% CI: 1.6 to 4.4 N = 638), muscle strength SMD 0.64 (95% CI: 0.4 to 0.9 N = 315) and, HRQoL WMD –9.8 (95% CI: −15.2 to −4.5 N = 524). Combined aerobic and resistance training improves peak VO2, muscle strength and HRQoL and should be considered as a component of care of HFrEF patients. •Combined aerobic and resistance training was more efficient than aerobic training on muscle strength and HRQoL gain in HFrEF•Combined aerobic and resistance training improves peak VO2 and should be considered as a component of care of HFrEF patients.•This review highlights the paucity of high-quality research addressing Combined aerobic and resistance training in HF.