Association Between Upper Limb Strength Through 1-Repetition Maximum Test and V'O2peak in Heart Failure.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate whether there is a correlation between the maximum strength of upper limb when performing a multijoint exercise and peak oxygen uptake (V'O2peak) in Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) subjects. Method: This cross-sectional study involved CHF subjects with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 50%, who underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill and 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) test for upper limb strength using a bench press exercise. Results: The sample consisted of 16 individuals aged 54 ± 12 years with a LVEF of 37 ± 7%. The V'O2peak was 14.98 ± 5.4 ml·min-1·kg-1 and mean maximum load in the 1-RM test was 38 ± 16 kg. There was strong correlation of V'O2peak with the load in the 1-RM test (r = 0.70; p = .037; r2 = 0.48). Conclusion: There is a strong correlation between the load in 1-RM test for upper limb with V'O2peak in CHF individuals. It is a safe, inexpensive and reproducible way to assess the muscle strength in this population.

Exercise through a cardiac rehabilitation program attenuates oxidative stress in patients submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the world and oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis. Cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary artery disease submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting may prevent cardiovascular events probably through the attenuation of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of a cardiac rehabilitation program in the control of the systemic oxidative stress. METHODS: The studied population consisted of 40 patients, with chronic stable coronary artery disease submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting, who attended a cardiac rehabilitation program. Biomarkers of oxidative stress were evaluated in the blood of these patients at different moments. RESULTS: After the onset of cardiac rehabilitation, there was a significant and progressive decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels and protein carbonyls, an initial increase and subsequent decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Also, a progressive increase of uric acid, while ferric reducing antioxidant power levels increased only at the end of the cardiac rehabilitation and a tendency to increase of glutathione contents. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that regular exercise through a cardiac rehabilitation program can attenuate oxidative stress in chronic coronary artery disease patients submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting.