title: Improving the cardio-respiratory fitness in older people and cardiac patients: findings from an Italian participatory research.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Local Health Plan for Cardiovascular Disease, Azienda USL, Viale Muratori, 201-41100 Modena, Italy. a.ciardullo@ausl.mo.it
authors.forename: Anna V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Ciardullo
authors.forename: M Monica
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Daghio
authors.forename: Sabrina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Severi
authors.forename: Ferdinando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tripi
mesh_terms: 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