Eccentric muscle training in cardiac rehabilitation: randomized controlled trial to evaluate effectiveness and feasibility in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction.

Sarcopenia, which means loss of muscle mass and function, is an independent predictor of death in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Traditionally, dynamic resistance training is used to counter muscle loss and is characterized by a concentric phase (=shortening) and an eccentric phase (lengthening) causing movement of the limb. Since muscle strength and muscle mass increase more with eccentric training than conventional concentric training without greater cardiorespiratory demands, this modality seems promising in heart failure patients. In this blinded randomized controlled trial, the effectivity and feasability of eccentric training will be assessed in heart failure patients. Forty patients with HFrEF will be randomly assigned to a Control Group (traditional resistance training + aerobic training) or an Intervention Group (eccentric training + aerobic training). Primary outcome parameters are exercise capacity (VO2 peak), muscle strength and muscle mass. It is hypothesized that greater muscle strength and muscle mass will be obtained in the eccentric training group in comparison with traditional resistance training. This better outcome will influence VO2 peak.

Keywords:EXERCISE, CARDIAC PATIENTS, EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY, STRENGTHENING

Disciplines:Cardiology, Kinesitherapy, Rehabilitation