M. Unverdorben et al., Differences of cardiovascular symptoms and injuries between men and women in phase-III rehabilitation of cardiac patients, PERFUSION, 12(9), 1999, pp. 360
Sport for cardiac patients is often regarded as being too strenuous and exp
osing the patients, particularly women, to undue cardiovascular and traumat
ologic hazards. These hypotheses may be reasons why womens' participation i
n outpatient rehabilitation groups is less than mens'.
To focus on this issue, a retrospective analysis of cardiovascular and trau
matologic risks of cardiac patients in phase-III rehabilitation was perform
ed. 753 unselected men (62+/-8.1 years) and 150 women (60.8 +/- 8.9 years,
ns) answered questionnaires on the frequency and type of cardiovascular sym
ptoms, as well as on injuries, the occurrence of them during the sport sess
ions, and the modalities of treatment.
In comparison to men, women had a significantly reduced working capacity (-
33%, p < 0.001), an excess risk of cardiovascular symptoms (46% vs, 36.8%,
p < 0.05) and injuries (11.7% vs. 8%, ns), particularly of severe traumas (
35% vs. 21.1%, p<0.2), and had to cease exercising more frequently (12.7% v
s, 7.9%, p<0.07), Independent variables seem to be poor exercise tolerance
and gender. Other variables, notably older age, imposed no excess risk. It
is concluded, that in phase-III rehabilitation of cardiac patients, women c
ompared to men exhibit an excess risk of cardiovascular symptoms and injuri
es. Tailoring of the training program is recommended in order to allow part
icularily women to participate in the sport sessions.