COMBINED HIGH INTENSITY STRENGTH TRAINING AND AEROBIC TRAINING ENHANCES QUALITY OF LIFE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH HEART DISEASE

Abstract

This investigation measured the impact of combining high intensity strength and aerobic training on quality of life in a diverse cardiac rehabilitation population. Changes in quality of life following 8-weeks of cardiac rehabilitation using both strength and aerobic training were measured with 33 patients (22 males/11 females). Cardiac diagnoses included bypass surgery, angioplasty, myocardial infarction, and stable angina. Average age was 61.0 +/− 12.1 years and average ejection fraction was 49.5 +/− 9.6%. Patients performed 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise at the beginning of each cardiac rehabilitation training session on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and strength training on Monday and Friday for the entire 8-week period. Changes in quality of life were measured using the Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index, Caridac Version III, administered before and after the 8-week exercise regimen. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in patients' satisfaction with their health, the amount of energy available for everyday activities and physical independence was shown from pre-test to post-test. Results also showed significant increases in the degree of importance patients placed on these three areas of life. Results indicate that high intensity strength and aerobic training in cardiac rehabilitation patients improves quality of life for health satisfaction, energy available for everyday activities and physical independence.