Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two types of concurrent training on disease status and factors related to sarcopenia in patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods: Twenty-one men with heart failure, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 49% and aged 55 to 65 years, voluntarily participated in this study and were assigned to three groups of seven: control, same-day training (SD), and different-day training (DD). Training groups performed concurrent training for 12 weeks, such that the SD group completed both training sessions on the same day, while the DD group performed the sessions on separate days. Tests were administered before and after the intervention. ANCOVA was used for between-group comparisons.

Results: The results showed no significant increase in LVEF and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) in the training groups compared to the control group, and no significant differences were observed between the two training groups in these variables. Handgrip strength, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the knee extensor and flexor muscles, and gait speed showed significant increases in training groups compared to the control group. Furthermore, the results indicated significantly greater improvements in these variables in the DD group compared to the SD group.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that concurrent training can play an important role in improving handgrip strength, MVIC of the knee extensor and flexor muscles, and gait speed in patients with heart failure, while performing the training on different days produced more beneficial effects on these factors.