How Can we do Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: Exercise training improves the survival and quality of life of coronary patients but the optimal way of combining exercise training modalities in coronary heart disease is still unknown. Methods: 74 coronary patients under pharmacological treatment were randomized into two groups: non-periodized training group (NPG n=37) and periodized exercise training group (PG n=37). The two groups were submitted to the same exercises during the 36 sessions making up the program, but prescribed in different ways. All the patients were submitted to an evaluation consisting of: medical admission consultancy, cardiopulmonary endurance testing, 1 maximum repetitions test (1RM) and a body composition evaluation. Results: The VO2 peak improved in both groups, although in a more effective way in the PG (4% vs 1,7%, p < 0.001). In addition the functional capacity of this group improved by 13% and there was a significant reduction in the percent body fat (2,1%, p < 0.005) and body weight (1,9 kg, p < 0.005). The muscle strength of both groups improved and there was no significant difference between them (p < 0, 05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that periodization of the treatment of coronary heart disease patients can improve their cardiopulmonary capacity and reduce the percent of body fat more effectively than the conventional one.