Leg oxygen uptake during sub maximal exercise is not changed after six weeks of knee extensor endurance training in chronic heart failure patients or controls

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by a lower work capacity compared to healthy controls. Recent investigations have shown that not only the failing heart but also alterations in the skeletal muscles may play an important role. One determining factor for work capacity is oxygen uptake at submaximal exercise (work economy). Studies on work economy in CHF patients are scarce.