Leg-focused high-weight resistance training improves ventricular stroke volume, exercise capacity and strength in young patients with a Fontan circulation.

Aims: Effective therapy to improve exercise capacity in Fontan patients is lacking. Leg-focused high-weight resistance training might augment the peripheral muscle pump and thereby improve exercise capacity.

Methods And Results: This randomized semi-cross-over controlled trial investigated the effects of a 12-week leg-focused high-weight resistance training plus high-protein diet, on (sub)maximal exercise capacity, cardiac function (assessed with cardiovascular magnetic resonance), muscle strength, and quality of life in paediatric Fontan patients.