Date of Award

12-2000

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Human Performance and Health Education

Department

Health, Physical Education & Recreation

First Advisor

Dr. Roger Zabik

Second Advisor

Dr. Mary L. Dawson

Third Advisor

Dr. YuanLong Liu

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Victoria L. Asaro

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of resistance training (RT) in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. Two retrospective CHF patient groups were assessed pre and post 4-week participation at the Borgess Health and Fitness Center CHF Clinic. The first group participated only in monitored aerobic exercise (AG, N= 10), while the second group participated in monitored aerobic exercise along with the six experimental RT exercises (ARG, N= 10). The safety parameters measured during the aerobic and RT exercises were incidence of new onset arrhythmia and rate pressure products (RPP). The efficacy parameters measured were perceived self-efficacy and functional capacity. These were measured pre and post using the SF-36™ Health Questionnaire (SF-36) and 6 min walk test (6WT) scores, respectively. ANOVAs revealed significant differences (p < .05) on the subject score of the SF-36, vitality, and 6WT distance walked. No new onset arrhythmia were documented while performing the RT exercise; 22 new onset arrhythmia were noted during the aerobic exercise. The RPP was lower during the RT exercise as compared to the RPP measured during aerobic exercise and the 6WT. Results of this study suggest that RT is a safe and effective means of exercise therapy for CHF patients.

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