Key result
Combined strength and aerobic training improves cardiorespiratory fitness over aerobic training alone in HFrEF.
Why the study?
While aerobic training and muscle strength training independently benefit heart failure, the effects of combined training compared with aerobic training alone across the spectrum of ejection fraction remain unclear.
Does combined aerobic and muscle strength training improve cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, muscle strength, and quality of life compared to aerobic training alone in patients with heart failure?
Population
526 patients with HF across 15 trials (466 HFrEF and 60 HFpEF)
Comparison
Combined aerobic and muscle strength training vs aerobic training alone
Design
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors
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Supports adding strength training to aerobic exercise in HFrEF to boost CRF and walk distance; extends meta-analytic evidence for multimodal regimens.
Systematic Review (n=526)
Does combined aerobic and muscle strength training improve cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, muscle strength, and quality of life compared to aerobic training alone in patients with heart failure?
Standardized Mean Difference: 0.4 (95% CI 0.1–0.71)
p-value: p=0.02
Combined aerobic and strength training is more effective than aerobic training alone for improving cardiorespiratory fitness, walking distance, and muscle strength in patients with HFrEF.
Terada et al. (2026) conducted a systematic review in Heart failure (n=526). Combined strength training and aerobic training vs. Aerobic training alone was evaluated on Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in HFrEF (SMD 0.40, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.71, p=0.02). In patients with HFrEF, combined strength and aerobic training increased cardiorespiratory fitness more than aerobic training alone (SMD 0.40; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.71; p=0.02).
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