Abstract\nAims\nThis study was designed to compare the effects of combined endurance-resistance training (CT) with endurance training (ET) only on submaximal and maximal exercise capacity, ventilatory prognostic parameters, safety issues, and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).\n\nMethods and results\nFifty-eight CHF patients (NYHA class II–III) were randomized either to 6 months CT [n = 28, 58 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 26%, VO2peak 18.1 mL/kg/min] or ET (n = 30, 59 years, LVEF 23%, VO2peak 21.3 mL/kg/min). The increase in steady-state workload (P = 0.007) and the decrease in heart rate at SSW (P = 0.002) were significantly larger in CT- compared with ET-trained patients. Maximal exercise capacity (i.e. VO2peak, maximal workload) and work-ec