AIMS: Cardiac rehabilitation including exercise training is of proven value in ischaemic heart disease. However, elderly patients frequently are not encouraged to participate in such programmes. This study evaluates the physiological effects and self-reported quality of life after an aerobic outpatient group-training programme in subjects above the age of 65 years. METHODS AND RESULTS: A consecutive series of 101 patients (males 80%) aged 65 to 84 (mean 71) years recovering from an acute coronary event were randomized to either a supervised out patient group-training programme (n = 50) or to a control group (n = 51). The two groups were well balanced as regards clinical characteristics. The compliance in the training group was 87%. Exercise tolerance increased in the trained group from 104 to 122 and 111 W after 3 and 12 months respectively. The corresponding values were 102, 105 and 105 W among controls. Parameters, such as quality of life, self-estimated level of physical activity, fitness and well-being were graded higher by the trained patients than those who served as controls on the two occasions of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic group-training of elderly patients recovering from an acute coronary event beneficially influences physical fitness and several parameters expressing quality of life. Great care has to be taken to preserve the initial effects by continued training.
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