Efficacy of combined endurance‑resistance training versus endurance training in patients with heart failure after percutaneous coronary intervention: A randomized controlled trial

Background: This study aimed to compare the effects of combined endurance‑resistance training (CT) versus endurance training (ET) on some cardiovascular markers in patients with heart failure after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Materials and Methods: The study applied a randomized, controlled design in which 75 patients with heart failure who had undergone PCI were randomly assigned to one of three groups: ET, CT, and control. The ET group performed ET for 45 min, three times a week for 7 weeks. The CT group performed the same ET for 30 min followed by a resistance exercise protocol. The control group received usual care. Functional capacity, N‑terminal pro‑brain natriuretic peptide (NT‑pro BNP), and high sensitivity C‑reactive protein (hs‑CRP) levels were measured. Results: After the intervention, functional capacity was improved (P < 0.001) and NT‑pro BNP level was significantly reduced (P = 0.004 in the CT group, P = 0.002 in the ET group). Hs‑CRP level was significantly reduced only in the ET group (P = 0.030). The control group showed no significant changes in any cardiovascular parameters (P ≥ 0.05). Changes in functional capacity (P < 0.001) in both training groups were significantly different from the control group. No significant differences were found between the ET and CT groups regarding changes in all outcomes after exercise training (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: Exercise training is safe and feasible in post‑PCI patients, even in those with reduced ejection fraction. CT was as effective as ET in reducing NT‑pro BNP level and improving functional capacity in heart failure patients after PCI.