Peripheral muscle training in patients with clinical signs of heart failure

The aim of the study was to evaluate, in a controlled setting, the effects of a 5-month dynamic peripheral training programme in patients with clinical signs of congestive heart failure with special reference to their anaerobic threshold, muscle function, heart rate variability and quality of life. Twenty-four randomized patients with clinical signs of heart failure in NYHA II-III entered the study. Training resulted in a significant (p = 0.01) change in the anaerobic threshold, the patients' ability to lift weights (p = 0.01) and performance of heel-lift (p = 0.01). The heart rate recorded during the training exercises decreased significantly (p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in peak oxygen uptake, isokinetic and isometric strength, HRV and quality of life except for three items in the control group. The results of this study indicate that peripheral training is beneficial for patients with clinical signs of congestive heart failure.