Changes in Physical Capacity, Heart Size and Function in Patients After Myocardial Infarction, Who Underwent a 4- to 6-Week Physical Training Program

Abstract

From findings in 1,200 coronary patients after myocardial infarction, it was shown that a stationary course of treatment in a rehabilitation center, where a gradually intensifying, individually adapted physical training program is administered, can lead to statistically highly significant improvements in the functional efficiency of the heart, as well as in physical capacity, in a short period of 4–6 weeks. It should be stressed that these positive effects can be demonstrated in the early stages of rehabilitation from infarction, that is, directly following discharge from the hospital, in the same way as in a late course of treatment of the repeated therapy; it is also important to point out that similar favorable results were obtained for older groups as for younger ones under all parameters, within the same time. A 6-week training period is more effective than a 4-week one.