Physiologic responses to exercise in myocardial infarction patients following residential rehabilitation

The physiological responses to exercise were studied in 16 men (33-52 years of age), 8--12 weeks after a first uncomplicated myocardial infarction and following a 3--4 week period of attendance at a residential rehabilitation center at which the patients were required to participate in a controlled program of exercise, sport and recreation. Data were also collected on an inactive, but otherwise healthy group of men of the same age and occupational status, and on an occupationally and recreationally active healthy group. The patient group were indistinguishable from the healthy inactive group in their response to submaximal exercise, although both of these groups showed differences when compared with the active group. Symptom-limited maximal data were also collected and these are reported in relation to the energy requirements of some common leisure, occupational and domestic activities.