Article

Heart rate variability (HRV) decreases after an acute myocardial
infarction (AMI) due to changes in cardiac autonomic balance. The purpose of the
present study, therefore, was to evaluate the effects of a progressive exercise
protocol used in phase I cardiac rehabilitation on the HRV of patients with
post-AMI. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients who had been admitted to
hospital with their first non-complicated AMI were studied. The treated group
(TG, n=21, age=52+/-12 years) performed a 5-day programme of progressive exercise
during phase I cardiac rehabilitation, while the control group (CG, n=16,
age=54+/-11 years) performed only respiratory exercises. Instantaneous heart rate
(HR) and RR interval were acquired by a HR monitor (Polar(R)S810i). HRV was
analysed by frequency domain methods. Power spectral density was expressed as
normalised units (nu) at low (LF) and high (HF) frequencies, and as LF/HF.
RESULTS: After 5 days of progressive exercise, the TG showed an increase in HFnu
(35.9+/-19.5 to 65.19+/-25.4) and a decrease in LFnu and LF/HF (58.9+/-21.4 to
32.5+/-24.1; 3.12+/-4.0 to 1.0+/-1.5, respectively) in the resting position
(p<0.05). No changes were observed in the CG. CONCLUSIONS: A progressive
physiotherapeutic exercise programme carried out during phase I cardiac
rehabilitation, as supplement to clinical treatment increased vagal and decreased
sympathetic cardiac modulation in patients with post-AMI.
CI - (c) 2011 Informa UK, Ltd.

Langue : ANGLAIS