Improving the cardio-respiratory fitness in older people and cardiac patients: findings from an Italian participatory research.
OBJECTIVE
We performed a before-after study--in the setting of a participatory research--aimed at improving the cardio-respiratory fitness in older people and cardiac patients by means of tailored advices on diet and exercise administered by trained personnel.


METHODS
A volunteer sample of 336 patients underwent a 2-km walk test before and after a comprehensive assessment of health status and after the administration of tailored advices on healthy diet and a personalized exercise program at home by trained personnel. The main outcome measures were before-after changes in the cardiorespiratory fitness index and in the oxygen consumption at a "fast 2-km walking test".


RESULTS
The participants had a mean age of 60.9 +/- 6.5 years (range 50-78 years), 62.5% were males. At the end of the study period (3 months), we found a significant improvement of all the exercise test parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
A simple diet and exercise individualized 3 months program--administered by trained personnel--was effective at improving the cardio-respiratory fitness in older people and cardiac patients.
Ciardullo
Anna V
AV
Local Health Plan for Cardiovascular Disease, Azienda USL, Viale Muratori, 201-41100 Modena, Italy. a.ciardullo@ausl.mo.it
Daghio
M Monica
MM
Severi
Sabrina
S
Tripi
Ferdinando
F
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena