Effects of a two-week, hospitalized phase II cardiac rehabilitation program on physical capacity, lipid profiles and psychological variables in patients with acute myocardial infarction

A new 2-week hospitalized phase II cardiac rehabilitation program has been designed and the present study sought to clarify whether the physical and p sychological status of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) impr oved after participation in the program. Fifty-one patients with AMI were e nrolled in the rehabilitation program, which consisted of exercise training , education and counselling, and another 34 patients with AMI who did not p articipate in the program served as the control group. The physical and psy chological status of the patients was evaluated before, at 1-month after th e program, and at 6- and 12-months follow-ups. The physical status was asse ssed by exercise tolerance and serum lipid profiles and the psychological s tatus was assessed by the Spielberger State-Trait anxiety inventory questio nnaire (STAI) and self-rating questionnaire for depression. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using established and validated QOL scales. After parti cipation in the program, the exercise tolerance, serum lipid profiles and S TAI anxiety score of the patients were improved significantly and at the 6- month follow-up these parameters remained improved and regular physical act ivity was maintained. The QOL score also improved significantly. Even at th e 12 month follow-up, lipid profiles remained improved and regular physical activity was maintained. The a-week hospitalized phase II cardiac rehabili tation program improved the management of cardiac risk factors and psycholo gical status in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). It provides benef icial effects on the patient's physical and psychological activities in the recovery phase and may also contribute to the secondary prevention of MI.