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Strength training improves heart function, collagen and strength in rats with heart failure
Leisiane G Dias1, Carlos H O Reis1, Leonardo Dos Santos2
1Experimental Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory. Physical Education and Sport Center, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil.
The Journal of Physiological Sciences : JPS
|January 22, 2025
Summary
Strength training (ST) improved performance and reduced cardiac remodeling in rats after myocardial infarction (MI). This exercise intervention attenuated cardiac dysfunction and pulmonary congestion, highlighting ST as a beneficial therapy for heart attack recovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
Background:
- Myocardial infarction (MI) causes cardiac remodeling, leading to heart failure and reduced quality of life.
- Physical exercise is a known non-pharmacological therapy for cardiovascular diseases.
- The specific effects of strength training (ST) on cardiac remodeling post-MI require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a structured strength training (ST) protocol on cardiac remodeling in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI).
Main Methods:
- Adult male rats underwent MI induction or sham surgery, followed by 12 weeks of a progressive, ladder-based ST program.
- Performance was assessed, alongside cardiac structure and function via echocardiography and hemodynamics.
- Interstitial fibrosis was evaluated histologically, and isolated cardiac muscle contractility was measured.
Main Results:
- ST improved performance in infarcted rats, reducing cardiac hypertrophy and pulmonary congestion compared to untrained controls.
- The ST protocol partially prevented cardiac dilation and ventricular dysfunction without altering MI size.
- Isolated cardiac muscles from ST rats showed enhanced contractility under various conditions.
Conclusions:
- Strength training in infarcted rats enhances physical capacity and attenuates adverse cardiac remodeling and pulmonary congestion.
- Improved cardiac function following ST may be partly due to enhanced myocardial contractility.
- This study supports ST as a potentially beneficial intervention for post-MI recovery.
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