Abstract
Elderly patients are commonly excluded from cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction (MI). The present controlled, non-randomized trial was undertaken as a preliminary study to compare some effects of cardiac rehabilitation between patients younger and older than 65 years without contraindications to physical exercise. Baseline total work capacity (TWC) was assessed by a maximal ergometric stress testing 4 weeks after MI. Patients were then prospectively enrolled into an 8-week ambulatory rehabilitation program (R- group: age ≤ 65 N=16; age >65 N=16). Those who refused or who could not participate in the program because of logistic difficulties served as controls (NR- group: age ≤ 65 N=16; age >65 N=14). In spite of non- randomized allocation, clinical characteristics did not differ between either treatment groups or age groups. TWC was re- assessed at 8 weeks from baseline evaluation in all patients. The number of completed training sessions in the R- group, and the proportion of sessions which were suspended for physiological or pathological (adverse events during exercise) causes were similar under and over 65 years. TWC increased (p65: +65%, NS). A spontaneous enhancement of TWC (+37%, p
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 175-180 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Aging clinical and experimental research |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1994 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Aging
- ischemic heart disease
- myocardial infarction
- rehabilitation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Aging