Enhancement of isokinetic muscle strength with a combined training programme in chronic heart failure.

Background: Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) exhibit an impaired exercised tolerance that dramatically limits their functional capacity and alters their quality of life.

Design: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two types of training programmes on isokinetic muscle strength and aerobic capacities in patients with CHF.

Methods: A group of 23 stable CHF patients included consecutively followed an exercise training programme, 3 days a week for 8 weeks.