Effects of resistive training on left ventricular function

Abstract

Although several studies have evaluated the effects of endurance training on left ventricular (LV) function, few studies have looked at resistive training effects. Acute isometric exercise increases blood pressure and has little effect on LV function, causing only mild increases in ejection fraction and stroke volume index. However, acute isometric exercise does increase LV diastolic diameter to a lesser extent than dynamic exercise. Most studies of resistive training on LV function have been cross-sectional or short term (10 to 12 wk) training studies on athletes and suggest that increases in LV wall thickness and mass are dependent upon the intensity and duration of training. Most resistive training studies show no increase in left ventricular volume, as can be seen in endurance trained athletes. Despite the increase in LV mass with resistive training, indices of LV systolic and diastolic function do not change. In hypertensive and cardiac patients with normal LV function at rest, resistive training increases LV mass index without deleterious effects on LV systolic and diastolic function. However, in patients with abnormal resting LV function, resistive training can have adverse effects on LV systolic function. Overall, moderate levels of resistive training can be a useful adjunct to cardiac rehabilitation programs, with the caveat that it be used with caution in patients with abnormal LV function at rest.