Dose–effect relationship of resistance training in cardiac rehabilitation program for patients with coronary artery disease: a systematic review

Abstract

Resistant training is an essential and effective component of cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the study was to find out the dose–effect relationship of resistant training in CRP for patients with CAD for the purpose of determining the optimal dose prescription that balances between safety and effectiveness. The study design was a systematic review with searching the electronic database of PEDro guided by inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results showed that resistant training added value to the aerobic training in CRP of patients with CAD and that different elements were used regarding its dose description, including intensity, frequency, duration, volume, and type. Regardless of the intensity, resistant training showed improvement in different outcome measures even more than aerobic training alone. High-repetition low-intensity resistant training showed to be beneficial. Both the duration of resistant training and time of involvement of it in the cardiac rehabilitation have an influence on its effect. Both dynamic and isometric resistant training programs were effective, in favor of the isometric type, and both concentric and eccentric training programs were effective, in favor of the eccentric type. The dose–effect of the resistant training in cardiac rehabilitation of patients with coronary artery diseases is not dependent only on the 5 elements for dose prescription, but it is largely dependent on the interactions between these 5 elements.