Factors predicting the result of physical training after acute myocardial infarction.

We have studied the predictive effect of physical training on physical working capacity (PWC) in a group of 48 male survivors of acute myocardial infarction. In regression analysis with single variables, the training heart rate correlated most strongly with the change of PWC after training (r = 0.54; p less than 0.01). The initial PWC and exercise-induced R wave amplitude change also correlated significantly with the change in PWC after training (r = -0.33; p less than 0.05 and r = 0.32 p less than 0.05, respectively). The initial maximum heart rate and the exercise-induced rise in systolic blood pressure failed to show such correlations. In multiple regression analysis all these variables, with the exception of the blood pressure, were found to make statistically significant, independent contributions to the prediction of the change of PWC after training. The training heart rate was the best criterion in the prediction of the success of physical training after myocardial infarction. Variables obtained from a pre-training exercise test can be used as additional criteria.