Combined Aerobic and Resistance Training for Peak Oxygen Uptake, Muscle Strength, and Hypertrophy After Coronary Artery Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Maximal aerobic capacity measured as peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), muscle strength, and muscle hypertrophy are the potent predictors of survival after coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of this study was to review the effects of combined aerobic training (AT) and resistance training (RT) on the three outcomes in CAD patients. Five electronic databases were searched. Combined AT and RT trials in 21 studies had a significantly greater favorable effect on all three outcomes compared with control groups (CON). In subgroup analyses for VO2peak, longer session duration and shorter post-CAD period were associated with larger effect size (ES). For muscle strength, higher training volume, longer post-CAD period, and younger age were associated with larger ES. In hypertrophy, longer training duration was associated with larger ES. Moderate intensity, 2-3 days per week, 50 min (AT), three sets of 10-12 repetitions, and seven exercises (RT) for 14 weeks are recommended.