Effect of Physical Training on Insulin Resistance in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

Abstract

Background The effect of physical training on insulin resistance (IR) in chronic heart failure (CHF) remains unclear. Methods and Results Fourteen patients with CHF performed physical training using a bicycle ergometer; 9 patients (64%) were hyperinsulinemic and insulin resistant (HOMA IR >1.97). Exercise tolerance increased (5.1±1.7 to 6.9±2.7 METs, p<0.05) and heart rate at rest decreased (82±15 to 72±6, p<0.05) in the IR group after physical training. Physical training also decreased the insulin level (15.1 ±5.6 to 9.8±2.6 μU/ml, p<0.05) and HOMA IR (3.7±1.4 to 2.3±0.6, p<0.05) in the IR group, but not in the 5 patients (36%) without IR or in 6 control patients. Conclusion Physical training can improve hyperinsulinemia and IR in patients with CHF. (Circ J 2006; 70: 864 - 867)