Specificity of training in cardiac rehabilitation to facilitate a patient's return to strenuous work following aortic valve replacement

A 30-year-old male roughneck worker on an oil rig underwent aortic valve replacement and subsequently enrolled in the Baylor Heart and Vascular Hospital exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program. He expressed a strong desire to return to his physically demanding job. Based on his unique job requirements, CR staff designed and implemented comprehensive tests and a 5-week specific physical training program that included 6 exercises simulating his job functions. The selected exercises are not typically prescribed in traditional CR programs but mimicked the muscular strength/endurance required to perform his job. The goals set for each of the 6 specific exercises were accomplished and resulted in the patient rapidly regaining his muscular strength through the specially designed training program. The exercise regimen was successfully completed without adverse signs or symptoms and enabled the patient to return to work within approximately 2 months of completion.