Physical training after acute myocardial infarction
Kelbaek, H.; Eskildsen, P.; Hansen, P.F.; Godtfredsen, J.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 143(45): 2949
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 7330985 Document Number: 169944
In a randomized controlled investigation, 30 symptom-free patients with recent myocardial infarction were investigated regarding work capacity in the form of maximal O2 uptake and the value of physical training in the period of rehabilitation was assessed. From 2-5 mo. after the development of the myocardial infarction an increase in the work capacity by 24.2 and 14.1%, respectively, for the trained and untrained group was demonstrated. The difference between the groups was not significant. During the subsequent 5-8 mo. period, only insignificant changes in the work capacity were observed both for the control and for the training group. The patients' weight, hematocrit (erythrocyte volume fraction), serum cholesterol, vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in the 1st s, and heart volume showed limited insignificant variations. Formalized light physical training described has little significant influence on the work capacity, and improvement of this during the early period of rehabilitation after a myocardial infarction is principally due to the spontaneous course. Provided no contraindications are present, it is recommended that patients resume their occupations immediately after convalescence.