The effect of power-walking in phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation program

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effects of power walking (PW) training on a treadmill in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and to compare the cardiovascular effects of PW with usual walking (UW). Method Patients were recruited as participants in phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation program after receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) due to acute coronary syndrome from our hospital. Th e participants were divided into the PW group (n=16) and UW group (n=18). All participants received graded exercise test (GXT) and signifi cant difference in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2Max) was not observed between the groups. Aerobic exercise training on treadmill was given for 50 minutes per session, three times a week, for six weeks. Physiological and hematological parameters were tested before and 6 weeks after the cardiac rehabilitation program. Exercise duration, VO2Max, heart rate, blood pressure, and rate pressure product were evaluated through graded exercise test. Hematological measurements included serum lipid profi le, and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP). Results Th ere were no signifi cant differences in resting heart rate, maximal heart rate, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures, lipid profi le, hs-CRP, VO2Max, and RPP between the PW group and UW group. However, after 6 weeks of the intervention, VO2Max in the PW group (36.03±5.69ml/kg/min) was signifi cantly higher than that in the UW group (29.73±5.63ml/kg/min) (p<0.05). Conclusion After six weeks of phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation program, the PW group showed significant improvement in VO2Max than the UW group. Thus, it will beneficial to recommend power walking in cardiac rehabilitation program. © 2012 by Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine.