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 psychological status of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) improved after participation in the program. Fifty-one patients with AMI were enrolled in the rehabilitation program, which consisted of exercise training, education and counselling, and another 34 patients with AMI who did not participate in the program served as the control group. The physical and psychological status of the patients was evaluated before, at 1-month after the program, and at 6- and 12-months follow-ups. The physical status was assessed by exercise tolerance and serum lipid profiles and the psychological status was assessed by the Spielberger State-Trait anxiety inventory questionnaire (STAI) and self-rating questionnaire for depression. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using established and validated QOL scales. After participation in the program, the exercise tolerance, serum lipid profiles and STAI anxiety score of the patients were improved significantly and at the 6-month follow-up these parameters remained improved and regular physical activity was maintained. The QOL score also improved significantly. Even at the 12-month follow-up, lipid profiles remained improved and regular physical activity was maintained. The 2-week hospitalized phase II cardiac rehabilitation program improved the management of cardiac risk factors and psychological status in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). It provides beneficial effects on the patient's physical and psychological activities in the recovery phase and may also contribute to the secondary prevention of MI.