Keywords
Myostatin
Follistatin
Strength training
Exercise tolerance
Exercise
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Decreased muscle mass is a common problem in individuals suffering from heart failure. Myostatin and follistatin may play a relevant role in the appearance of this condition in various diseases.
Purpose: Determine the changes in myostatin and follistatin levels in relation to muscle percentage after a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) in patients with heart failure
Methodology: Observational research with a descriptive approach, adopting a prospective design in a phase II CRP, oriented to strength training at high loads and low repetitions, in participants with heart failure during 24 sessions. They were evaluated with stress tests, six-minute walk, bioimpedance and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) to measure myostatin and follistatin levels. All were performed before and after the CRP.
Results: After CRP, participants (n=57) significantly improved their exercise tolerance and meters walked (p= <0.05). There was a reduction in myostatin levels (3073.9±298.26 vs 2227.9±106.40; p= 0.001) and an increase in follistatin levels (2169.8±100.83 vs 3235.2±0.85; p= 0.001) after CRP. Highlighting that, a positive correlation was found between follistatin levels and percentage of muscle mass (r=0.8296) and a negative correlation between myostatin levels and percentage of muscle mass (r=-0.8843).
Conclusion: These results suggest that a CRP, focused on strength training with high loads and low repetitions, has positive impacts on cardiovascular health and the expression of myostatin and follistatin in individuals with heart failure.
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