The effect of concurrent endurance and resistance training on echocardiographic and electrocardiographic variables in patients with beta-thalassemia major

Introduction: Patients with beta-thalassemia major require lifelong blood transfusions, leading to iron overload and toxicity, which can result in cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and heart failure—major causes of mortality in this population. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a concurrent endurance-strength training program on cardiovascular parameters in individuals with beta-thalassemia major. Material & Methods: This semi-experimental study involved 40 patients (male and female) aged 16-40 years diagnosed with beta-thalassemia major. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) or an experimental group (EG). The EG underwent an 8-week concurrent endurance and strength training program that included low-intensity treadmill running for 10-20 minutes and resistance exercises such as squats, barbell chest presses, barbell overhead presses, dumbbell lateral raises, leg presses, and modified sit-ups at 40-50% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). Echocardiographic data, blood pressure, and heart rate were collected, and statistical analysis, SPSS software version 22 was utilized, employing covariance tests and both dependent and independent t-tests at a significance level of (p <0.05). Results: The EG exhibited statistically significant reductions in resting heart rate and systolic blood pressure compared to the CG (p<0.05). Significant end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes were also noted in the EG (p<0.05). Conclusion: Improvements in heart rate, blood pressure, and heart volume suggest that concurrent endurance and strength training may positively affect cardiovascular function in patients with beta-thalassemia major.