title: Effects of organized aerobic group training in elderly patients discharged after an acute coronary syndrome. A randomized controlled study.
abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the physiological effects of an individually adjusted outpatient group training programme to the standardized recommendations of walking in elderly patients (>65 years) discharged after an acute coronary episode. In all, 101 patients, 20 women and 81 men, aged 65-84 (mean 71) years, were randomized either to a supervised outpatient group training programme during three months (n = 50) or to a control group (n = 51). Exercise tolerance increased from 104 watts to 122 watts (p < 0.001) in the training group and from 102 watts to 105 watts (n.s.) in the control group. Self-estimated level of physical activity was higher in the patients in the training group than in the control group (p < 0.001), as was graded well-being (p < 0.05). Organized aerobic group training can easily be performed in elderly patients after acute coronary syndrome, with results of improved exercise tolerance and a higher self graded well-being.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Karolinska Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ståhle
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nordlander
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rydén
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mattsson
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000789:Angina, Unstable / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013577:Syndrome