Effects of early submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise test and cardiac rehabilitation for patients with acute myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention: a comparative study

Abstract

To investigate the safety and effects of early submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and cardiac rehabilitation for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). 94 patients with AMI after PCI were randomly divided into 2 groups: exercise group undergoing anaerobic rehabilitation training based on anaerobic threshold (AT) exercise prescription for 3 months, and control group, conducting exercise according to the needs of the patients themselves. Three months later, the exercise cardiopulmonary function was evaluated. In the first CPET 89 patients attained their anaerobic threshold (AT) and their heart rates were lower than their target heart rates following the exercise test. The oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold (VO2AT) 3 months later of the exercise group was [(12.6 +/- 2.9) ml x min(-1) x kg(1)], significantly greater and that before the exercise [(10.5 x 2.9) ml x min x kg(-1), P = 0.000]. The peak oxygen uptake (VO2 pea) 3 months of the exercise group was (20 +/- 4) ml x min(-1) x kg(-1), signficantly greater then that before exercise [(14 +/- 4) ml x min(-1) x kg(-1), P = 0.000]. The LAT 3 months of the exercise group was (42 +/- 16) J x s(-1), significantly higher than that before exercise p [(33 +/- 20) J x s(-1), P = 0.000]. The workload at peak level (Lpeak) 3 months of the exercise group was (89 +/- 14) J x s(-1) significantly greater than thatbefore exercise [(66 +/- 21) J x s(-1), P = 0.000]. And the VO2pea and Lpeak of 3 months later of the control group were [(19 +/- 4) ml x min(-l) x kg(-1)) and (80 +/- 14) J x s(-1)] respectively, both significantly higher than those before exercise [(14 +/- 4) ml x min(-1) x kg(-1) and (64 +/- 21) J x s(-1), both P = 0.000]. The early submaximal CPET and cardiac rehabilitation for patients with AMI after PCI are not only safe but also can improve their exercise capacity.