Abstract des Autors

The present two studies were aimed at investigating the necessity of weight training in elderly patients with myocardial infarction. Study 1 investigated the muscle strength and incidence of gait disorders in 300 patients with myocardial infarction. The age- and gender-related differences in knee extension peak torque were significant (p<0.01). Peak torque in the 70-79 and 80-89 yr-old women was extremely low (0.88, 0.75 Nm/kg). Gait disorders occurred frequently in older patients amounting to approximately 30% of women >70 years of age. Study 2 was conducted to clarify the effects of combined aerobic and weight training. 35 elderly patients with myocardial infarction were assigned to two groups: Group I performed combined aerobic and weight training (n=18) and group II did not perform physical training (n=17). Physical training was prescribed for 8 weeks. Weight training of knee extensors was performed at 60% of one repetition maximum and aerobic training was prescribed at the anaerobic threshold (AT) level heart rate. After 8 weeks, the improvement in peak torque and gait speed was significantly greater in group I (32%, 12%) than group II (9%, 3%). The improvement in peak VO2, exercise time, AT was significantly greater in group I than group II. Increased peak torque was associated with increased gait speed and exercise time (modified protocol) (r=0.71, r=0.53). On the other hand, increased peak torque was not associated with increased peak VO2 and AT. Combined aerobic and weight training is an effective method for increasing muscle strength, gait speed and exercise capacity. In conclusion, physical training in the recovery phase of elderly patients with myocardial infarction should include weight training. Verf.-Referat