Journal of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
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J Cardiopulm Rehabil · Jan 1999
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialHigh-intensity strength training of patients enrolled in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program.
This randomized controlled study assessed whether adding a program of high-intensity strength training (80% of maximum) to an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program would be a safe and effective means of improving muscle strength and body composition. ⋯ Medically supervised high-intensity strength training is well tolerated when added to the aerobic training of cardiac rehabilitation programs and allows patients to aggressively gain the strength and endurance they will need to complete daily living tasks at lower perceived efforts. Strength training also reduces cardiac risk factors by improving body composition and maximum treadmill exercise time.