Changes in maximum work capacity resulting from six months training in patients with ischemic heart disease

A supervised and carefully controlled physical training program appeared to be of some value in the rehabilitation of selected patients with ischemic heart disease. Maximum work capacity was evaluated before and after three and six months of training. Eleven patients participated in the study; their mean age was SO, and ranged from 32–63 years. Work capacity was determined on a bicycle ergometer in a multi-stage test procedure including the continuous recording of an electrocardiogram, the periodic measurements of oxygen intake, heart rate and blood pressure, and the determination of the blood lactic acid level after cessation of the exercise test. As a result of the training the maximum oxygen uptake increased from 19.9 ml per kg of body weight per-minute to 27.5 ml/kg at three months and to 30.6 ml/kg per minute at six months. Consistent improvement was also seen in resting and exercise heart rates, and blood pressures. Mean post-exercise lactates, initially 46 mgS, increased to 77 mg% at 3 months and 81 mg% at 6 months. All subjects tolerated the exercise tests without incidents. Most of them benefitted from the training program. Some, however, did not show an improvement in physiological stress adaptation, and this may provide evidence that exercise is contraindicated for some patients.