Effects of High Frequency Exercise in Patients before and after Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high frequency exercise for patients before and after an elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with special reference to maximal aerobic capacity, muscle function, health related quality of life (HRQoL), waist–hip ratio (WHR) and restenosis. Methods: A randomised, controlled study was performed in Sweden between 2004 and 2006 in thirty-seven patients (five women) with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), age 63.6 ± 6.9 years, randomised to either high frequency exercise or control group. The patients in the training group performed three endurance resistance exercises and trained on a cycle ergometer 30 min, 5 times a week for 8 months at 70% of VO2max. Results: Patients in the training group significantly improved their maximal aerobic capacity (15 (9–46) vs. 8 (0–18)% p ≤ 0.05), shoulder flexion (p ≤ 0.01), shoulder abduction (p ≤ 0.01) and heel-lift (p ≤ 0.05) compared to the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups in HRQoL, WHR and restenosis. Conclusion: High frequency exercise in patients treated with PCI seems to improve maximal aerobic capacity and muscle function, which may reduce the risks of further progression of atherosclerosis. However, further larger studies are needed to fully investigate the effects of exercise in patients with PCI.