Abstract des Autors

This review article discusses the limitations of 14 randomized controlled trials of exercise rehabilitation for patients who had sustained a myocardial infarction. Seven of nine major trials involved 3,222 patients, whose conditions were followed for one to nine years; total mortality was reduced by 20 to 50 in these studies. Although pooling this information to obtain statistical significance is difficult, the results are compatible with a substantial therapeutic benefit. In addition to the positive effects on total mortality, exercise can improve mood state and increase physical working capacity. Thus, there is solid ground for prescribing exercisecentered cardiac rehabilitation after an uncomplicated myocardial infarction. Verf.-Referat