AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of aerobic exercise training with vascular occlusion in patients with chronic heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty patients with post-infarction heart failure were randomized to an interventional exercise group (IG n = 15) or a control exercise group (CG n = 15). Exercise was performed at an intensity of 40 to 70% of the peak VO2/W for 6 months. Patients in the IG remained seated on the saddle of the cycle ergometer with their feet on the pedals. Pneumatic tourniquets were applied to the proximal ends of their thighs with appropriate pressure resulting in a 40 to 80 mmHg increase in the systolic blood pressure that is required for vascular occlusion (208.7 +/- 7.4 mmHg). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the intervention and its effect on exercise capacity and serum BNP levels. There were no significant differences between the IG and CG in patient characteristics at study entry. Peak VO2/W in the IG significantly increased compared with that in the CG; the change in the serum BNP levels was significantly larger in the IG than in the CG. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that aerobic exercise training with vascular occlusion can improve exercise capacity and serum BNP levels in patients with chronic heart failure.

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