Concurrent Resistance and Cardiorespiratory Training in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Exercise training offers benefits for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), including improved functional capacity and cardiac function.
• Adverse cardiac remodeling can be reversed with exercise interventions in HCM patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a concurrent resistance and cardiorespiratory training program on functional capacity, biochemical markers, and echocardiographic variables in HCM patients.
• To assess the effects of a 12-week individualized training protocol on HCM patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Two HCM patients underwent 12 weeks of concurrent training (2 sessions/week).
• Evaluations included cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), body composition, echocardiography, electrocardiography, and blood analysis.
• Pre- and post-training data were compared for each participant.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in functional capacity (+4 mL·kg-1·min-1) and ventilatory thresholds observed.
• Increased muscle mass and strength (62% mean increase in upper/lower body strength).
• Maintained cardiac function, improved diastolic function, and signs of positive left ventricular remodeling.
• Biochemical markers (cardiac troponins, NT-proBNP) showed varied but normal ranges post-training.

Conclusions:

• Concurrent resistance and cardiorespiratory training positively impacts functional capacity and cardiac function in HCM patients.
• This training approach may enhance functional class, quality of life, and long-term prognosis.
• Further research with larger cohorts is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.