The effect of concurrent aerobic-resistance training on NT-proBNP levels, blood pressure and body composition of patients with chronic heart failure

Heart failure is associated with structural and functional changes of the heart and physical activity is a likely intervention to improve it. This study aimed at investigating the effect of concurrent aerobic-resistance exercise training on NT-proBNP levels, blood pressure and body composition in patients with chronic heart failure. In this clinical trial study, 76 patients with chronic heart failure Grade II and III, classifications of the New York Heart Association, EF≤ 40% and age range (72±7 years) randomly were divided into two equal intervention and control groups. The exercise protocol included aerobic exercises (50%-85% maximum heart rate) and resistance training (50%-70% one repeated maximum) for 2 months, three times a week. Blood pressure, body composition and serum NT-pro BNP levels were measured before and 8 weeks after the intervention.    Eight weeks of combined exercise significantly reduced weight, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), heart rate and NT-proBNP in the intervention group (P<0.05). But, WHR and BMI showed no significant difference between the groups in post-test. Also, significant changes were not observed in blood pressure and mean arterial pressure within and between the groups. It seems that combined exercise training was effective in reducing weight and NT-proBNP. Therefore, the present training program can be proposed as non-pharmaceutical interventions for patients with heart failure.