Training after myocardial infarction: lack of long-term effects on physical capacity and psychological variables.
This study evaluated long-term effects of 12 weeks of supervised training, of at least 45 minutes duration with two sessions per week, on physical performance and psychological well-being after myocardial infarction (MI). Sixty-nine patients were randomized to either an exercise or a nonexercise group. Maximum exercise capacity 6 weeks post-MI was inversely related to the acute peak aspartate aminotransferase values in serum, as an index of infarct size. One year post-MI, the increase in level of fitness (10%) in the training group did not significantly exceed (p = .10) that of the controls (2%). No intergroup differences were registered in self-rated psychological well-being and physical scores or in the return to work rate. In the training group, but not in the controls, the change in perceived dyspnoea at leisure-time activities was positively related to the objectively measured peak exercise capacity. We conclude that after MI only marginal improvements in physical performance are achieved 6 months after training is finished, with no long-term psychological benefits apparent versus a usual care program. The adaptive implications of supervised conventional exercise programs post-MI are therefore questioned.
Holmbäck
A M
AM
Department of Physical Therapy, Lund University Hospital, Sweden.
Säwe
U
U
Fagher
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000201:enzymology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011788:Quality of Life; D014937:Work
D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases