OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of 2 different volumes of resistance training (RT) combined with aerobic training in residential cardiac rehabilitation (CR). DESIGN: Randomized prospective cohort study. SETTING: Center for inpatient CR. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (n = 295) with a mean age +/- SD of 62.7 +/- 11.7 years participated in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups (group 1 and group 2) with different volumes of RT; 2 sets x 12 repetitions (reps) (group 1) and 3 sets x 15 reps (group 2) per session, 2 times per week; each RT session consisting of 10 different resistance exercises. In addition, patients also completed continuous moderate intensity aerobic training composed of cycle ergometry 6 times per week for 17 +/- 4 minutes (mean +/- SD) and walking 5 times per week for 45 minutes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At entry and after 26 +/- 4 (mean +/- SD) days of CR, blood pressure, heart rate, maximal oxygen consumption, and maximal power determined during cycle ergometry, strength determined via RT, and blood biochemistries were assessed. Data were analyzed via a 2-way (group x time) repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed equivalent improvements in exercise capacity, muscular strength, hemodynamics, and blood chemistries regardless of RT volume (comparison-wise type I error rate, alpha < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that nearly doubling (3 sets x 15 reps versus 2 sets x 12 reps) the volume of RT as part of a residential CR program does not yield further improvement in strength and cardiovascular risk factors.

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