Effectiveness of the Cardiac Rehabilitation on Exercise Capacity and Risk Factor in Coronary Artery Obstructive Disease

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program on the exercise capacity and secondary prevention in coronary artery obstructive disease (CAOD). METHOD: CR group of 48 CAOD patients had underwent regularly supervised exercise training for 6~8 weeks as well as home exercise continued for 1 year. CR group was advised to control their risk factors by nutrition counsel, abstaining from smoking and reducing their weight. Control group of 16 CAOD patients did not participate in the CR program. Two groups were evaluated for their exercise capacity and risk factors at baseline and after 1 year. RESULTS: CR group showed significantly higher maximal oxygen consumption, maximal rate pressure product and ratings of perceived exertion at stage 3 compared with control group (p<0.05). The number of risk factors per person after 1 year in both groups was significantly lower than baseline (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: CR program can improve the exercise capacity and level of risk factor in CAOD patients. Therefore, CR program is recommended for helping CAOD patients improve their functional capacity and reduce the possibility of recurrence.