Weightlifting Training in Cardiac Exercise Rehabilitation

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of dynamic strength training as an additional mode of exercise rehabilitation, in patients with coronary artery disease and well documented evidence of a previous myocardial infarction. The effects of 10 weeks (20 sessions) of combined weightlifting and aerobic training (WtAer) (n=10) were compared with aerobic training (Aer) (n=8) alone, on indices of strength and aerobic exercise capacity in 18 male patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Initial test(s) performance was similar between groups. Post Aer, the maximum weightlifting strength (1RM) in single-arm curl, single-leg press, and single-knee extension exercises increased by 13% (x = 11.8 to 13.3 kg; P < 0.01), 4% (x = 97 to 101 kg; N.S.), and 5% (x = 28.2 to 29.7 kg; N.S.) respectively; corresponding gains with AerWt were 43% (x = 12.2 to 17.4 kg; P < 0.01), 21% (x = 99 to 120 kg; P <0.01) , and 24% (x = 29 to 36 kg; P < 0.01) . Following Aer the initial 1RM could be lifted an average of 4 times, compared to 14 times after AerWt. Neither Aer nor AerWt showed significant improvements in peak torque in either isokinetic single-knee extension at 90°/s and 180°/s or single-leg press exercise at 30°/s and 75°/s. Maximum progressive incremental cycle ergometer performance (Wmax)increased by 2% with Aer (x = 1088 to 1113 kpm/min; N.S.) and by 15% (x = 1030 to 1180 kpm/min; P < 0.05) with AerWt.Cycling time at 80% of initial Wmax before attaining a Borg RPE of 7 for the legs, increased by 11% (x = 604 to 672s; N.S.) and by 109% (x = 541 to 1128s; P < 0.05) with Aer and AerWt respectively. In these patients with CAD, AerWt was a more effective method of increasing aerobic performance and strength than Aer alone. In order for cardiac exercise rehabilitation therapy to optimize the strength and functional capacities of CAD patients it may be useful to incorporate appropriately monitored weightlifting training into the traditional aerobic exercise regimen.