Some possible benefits and dangers of non-aerobic exercise in cardiac rehabilitation programmes

This paper reviews several recent studies on the possible benefits and dangers of non-aerobic exercises in cardiac rehabilitation programmes. It presents the case for including in such programmes, exercises which specifically improve components of overall physical fitness other than aerobic or cardiorespiratory endurance fitness. This is because many of these other components of overall physical fitness are required in the daily lives of patients in cardiac rehabilitation programmes and can best be acquired through non-aerobic exercises. These non-aerobic exercises include judicious callisthenic and isometric exercises to specifically improve on joint flexibility, agility, muscular strength, muscular endurance and coordination.