EFFECTS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING ON CARDIAC REHABILITATION PATIENTS STRATIFIED BY RISK

Abstract

1876 Developing adequate levels of muscular strength in the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patient is crucial to returning the patient to an active lifestyle. We investigated the effects of 8 weeks of resistance training on 61 phase II CR patients stratified by risk (high risk, n=18, ejection fraction (EF)=23.6±7.8%, age=61.2±9.3yrs; intermediate risk, n=19, EF=40.0±4.6%, age=56.7±12.2yrs; low risk, n=24, EF=58.0±7.7%, age=63.5±10.4yrs). 1RM testing was performed on the horizontal squat, shoulder press, leg extension, lat pulldown, and biceps curl. Patients performed 2 sets of each exercise 2 days per week at an intensity which started at 60% 1RM and progressed to 80% 1RM by week 4. Weeks 4-8 intensity was adjusted individually to maintain 8RM per set. Blood pressure and heart rate/rhythm responses to 1RM testing and training were monitored in high risk patients. Muscle soreness and injury were monitored for all patients immediately post 1RM and days 2 and 7. All patients significantly (p<0.05) improved strength on all exercises (mean increase lower body=15.3%, upper body=16.7%). Similar strength improvements occurred in all 3 risk groups. No abnormal cardiovascular responses were observed in the high risk group. No injuries or significant muscle soreness were reported during 1RM testing or training. Data suggests: 1) resistance training can cause significant strength gains in high, intermediate, and low risk CR patients;2) 1RM testing does not elicit abnormal blood pressure or heart rate/rhythm responses in high risk CR patients; and 3) 1RM testing may be safe in CR patients.