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. Twenty-eight paediatric Fontan patients were included, 27 patients, (median age 12.9 [10.5–15.7]), and successfully completed the programme. Peak oxygen uptake (PeakVO₂) at baseline was reduced [33.3 mL/kg/min (27.1–37.4), 73% (62–79) of predicted]. After training PeakVO₂/kg and Peak workload improved significantly with +6.2 mL/kg/min (95%CI: 3.4–9.0) (+18%) P < 0.001 and +22 Watts (95%CI: 12–32) (+18%) P < 0.001, respectively, compared to the control period. Indexed single ventricle stroke volume increased significantly [43 mL/beat/m² (40–49) vs. 46 (41–53), P = 0.014], as did inferior vena cava flow [21 mL/beat/m² (18–24) vs. 23 (20–28), P = 0.015], while superior vena cava flow remained unchanged. The strength of all measured leg-muscles increased significantly compared to the control period. Self-reported quality of life improved on the physical functioning and change in health domains of the child health questionnaire, parent-reported quality of life improved the bodily pain, general health perception, and change in health domains compared to the control period.

CONCLUSION: In a relatively large group of 27 older Fontan children, 12-weeks of leg-focused high-weight resistance training improved exercise capacity, stroke volume, (sub)maximal exercise capacity, muscle strength, and domains of quality of life.