Objectives: To determine the effects of resistance training (RT) (1 vs 3 sets) combined with aerobic training (AT) versus AT alone on outcomes for subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Background: Recommendations for AT are well accepted; however, the optimal dose of RT when combined with AT remains unclear.

Methods: Subjects (n = 72) were randomized to either aerobic training 5 d wk^-1 (AT), or aerobic training 3 d[middle dot]wk^-1 with either 1 set (AT/RT1) or 3 sets (AT/RT3) of RT 2 d[middle dot]wk^-1. Vo_2peak, ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT), muscular strength and endurance, body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), diet, and exercise adherence were measured before and after 29 weeks of training.

Results: Fifty-three subjects, mean age 61+/-11 years, completed the training. The increase from baseline in Vo_2peak(L min^-1) averaged 11% (P < .05) for AT, 14% (P < .01) for AT/RT1, and 18% (P < .001) for AT/RT3; however, the difference between groups was not statistically significant. Similarly lean mass, muscular strength, and lower body endurance increased in a dose-response manner. The AT/RT3 group gained close to 4 times more lean mass than the AT group (1.5 vs 0.4 kg, P < .01), and gains in lean mass between AT/RT1 and AT were not significantly different (0.9 vs 0.4 kg, respectively, P = .2). VAT improved significantly in the AT/RT3 group only (P < .05). Percent body fat decreased significantly in the combined training groups only (P < .05). Adherence to the number of sets prescribed was lower in AT/RT3 than AT/RT1 (P<.02).

Conclusions: Combined AT and RT (AT 3 d wk^-1and RT 2 d wk^-1) yield more pronounced physiological adaptations than AT alone (5 d wk^-1). RT prescription beyond 1 set may be associated with lower adherence to the number of sets prescribed but may further augment parameters that affect V_O2, VAT, strength, lower body endurance, and muscle mass in a cardiac population. A larger sample size may be required to demonstrate a dose response.