Influence of exercise training on spatial R-wave amplitude in patients with coronary artery disease

To evaluate the influence of an exercise program on spatial and left precordial R-wave amplitude among patients with coronary artery disease, computerized electrocardiogram (ECG) data were acquired during maximal treadmill testing before and after 1 yr in 89 patients randomized to either exercise (n = 40) or control (n = 49) groups. Spatial and lateral R-wave amplitudes were derived from the orthogonal Frank (XYZ) lead system. The exercise group significantly increased maximal O2 consumption (0.17 l/min), whereas controls decreased significantly (0.12 l/min, P less than 0.01 between groups). No significant changes in electrocardiographic R-wave voltage measurements occurred within or between groups during the year. It is concluded that exercise training does not result in increases in R-wave voltage in patients with coronary artery disease.