Applying a Systems Model of Training to a Patient with Coronary Artery Disease

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to apply a systems model of training for athletes to a patient with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing phase 3 rehabilitation. METHODS: A patient with CAD underwent 14 wk of training during which exercise was quantified using intensity and duration. Real exercise tolerance was assessed twice a week during this period using a constant-load test. The model exercise tolerance was obtained by convolving the quantified training to real exercise tolerance. The model parameters were obtained by fitting the real exercise tolerance to model exercise tolerance by the least square method. These parameters were then used to calculate the time needed after a training impulse to reach maximal tolerance (tg) and then to return to the pretraining level of tolerance (ti). RESULTS: The results showed that: 1) the fit between real and model exercise tolerances was significant (r = 0.73, P < 0.05), and 2) tg and ti were predicted 17 and 120 d posttraining, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a systems model of training for athletes to a patient with CAD was successful. We were able to predict the maximal exercise tolerance and the duration of increased tolerance subsequent to the training period.