Physical exercise and post-coronary rehabilitation.

Evidence of an appropriate intensity of exercise for post-coronary rehabilitation is drawn from observations on normal subjects and studies of primary and secondary prevention. Available information suggests a need for intense activity, but unfortunately findings are far from conclusive. The Toronto Rehabilitation Centre programs of continuous and interval training, and of hypnosis, are described. Indications for each type of treatment are discussed, with comments on the safety and practicality of the proposed regimens. Lastly, a brief description is given of a multi-centre trial which is presently comparing the merits of vigorous exercise and light recreation in terms of mortality, recurrence rates and physiological gains.