Article

During maximal incremental exercise, the ability to work in the
anaerobic condition, expressed by the respiratory exchange ratio, is associated
with physical performance. Further, peak respiratory exchange ratio is regarded
as the best non-invasive measure of a patient's actual exercise effort. This
study examined whether ability to work in the anaerobic condition is also
associated with physical performance in submaximal constant work rate exercise.
METHODS: A total of 75 older patients (51 men, 24 women), mean age
71.1 years (standard deviation 6.7 years), who had recently undergone cardiac
surgery, performed cardiopulmonary exercise testing in a 6-min walk test before
and after rehabilitation. RESULTS: The distance walked, steady-state oxygen
uptake, carbon dioxide output and respiratory exchange ratio increased
significantly after rehabilitation (p < 0.001 for all). In multivariable models
predicting the distance walked before and after rehabilitation, higher
steady-state respiratory exchange ratio was independently associated with longer
distance (p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: In older patients receiving post-acute
cardiac rehabilitation the ability to work in the anaerobic condition is
associated with physical performance in submaximal constant work rate exercises.
Thus the steady-state respiratory exchange ratio might be regarded as a measure
of the patient's actual exercise effort. This information may prove useful in
customizing exercise prescription and assessing the effects of rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS