DOES THE INTENSITY OF THE EXERCISE INFLUENCE THE RESULTS OF A CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM? OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

 Introduction: cardiac rehabilitation programs have proved to be very efficient to improve the quality of life and reduce clinical events in patients with different cardiac pathologies. Although the interventions in these programs have been diversified, physical exercise continues its central pillar. The intensity of the physical exercise is programmed based on the very different characteristics of the patients and the influence that this intensity has on the overall performance of the program. Aim: to assess the impact of exercise intensity in the final clinical benefit of cardiac rehabilitation programs. Material and method: we conducted an open prospective study, longitudinal and observational study of 100 consecutive patients who complete the program of cardiac rehabilitation at our center. The impact of exercise intensity in the final clinical benefit of cardiac rehabilitation programs is assessed. Results: the results indicate that a greater intensity of the scheduled exercise improves the final physical capacity of the patient but does not alter the benefits observed in the ventricular function, the parameters of heart failure, the improvement in the parameters of anxiety, depression and quality of life. Conclusion: the observed benefit after the cardiac rehabilitation program seems to be influenced by a number of factors beyond the intensity of exercise.