The aim of the study was to assess the effects of resistance training with the use of a suspension system on exercise tolerance, evaluated through an exercise test, and the changes in selected echocardiographic parameters of patients after myocardial infarction. The study involved 44 males. The subjects were divided into two groups: Standard (20) and Suspension system (24). All the subjects had undergone an angioplasty with stent implantation. The standard and suspension system groups carried out a 24-day improvement program comprising 22 training units. Each session consisted of endurance, general stamina and resistance training. Instead of resistance training, the experimental group made multijoint exercises with a suspension system. Statistically significant changes in both groups were observed in the parameters of the echocardiographic exercise test, such as test duration (p = 0.000), distance covered (p = 0.000), MET (p = 0.000), VO2max (p = 0.000) and SBPrest (p = 0.013). Additionally, SBPmax in the suspension system group improved (p = 0.035). The echocardiographic test revealed significant improvement of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in both groups (SP group p = 0.001, standard group p = 0.005). The lipid profile test in the SP group revealed statistically significant improvement of TC (p = 0.003), HDL (p = 0.000) and LDL (p = 0.005). Training with the suspension system had a positive effect on the change of exercise tolerance level, left ventricular function and blood lipid profile.

The presence of a well-developed collateral circulation in the area of the artery responsible for the infarction improves the prognosis of patients and leads to a smaller area of infarction. One of the factors influencing the formation of collateral circulation is hypoxia, which induces angiogenesis and arteriogenesis, which in turn cause the formation of new vessels. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of endurance training conducted under normobaric hypoxia in patients after myocardial infarction at the level of exercise tolerance and hemodynamic parameters of the left ventricle. Thirty-five patients aged 43–74 (60.48 ± 4.36) years who underwent angioplasty with stent implantation were examined. The program included 21 training units lasting about 90 min. A statistically significant improvement in exercise tolerance assessed with the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was observed: test duration (p < 0.001), distance covered (p < 0.001), HRmax (p = 0.039), maximal systolic blood pressure (SBPmax) (p = 0.044), peak minute ventilation (VE) (p = 0.004) and breathing frequency (BF) (p = 0.044). Favorable changes in left ventricular hemodynamic parameters were found for left ventricular end-diastolic dimension LVEDD (p = 0.002), left ventricular end-systolic dimension LVESD (p = 0.015), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p = 0.021), lateral e’ (p < 0.001), septal e’ (p = 0.001), and E/A (p = 0.047). Endurance training conducted in hypoxic conditions has a positive effect on exercise tolerance and the hemodynamic indicators of the left ventricle.

Background: Standard endurance training used from the second stage of cardiac rehabilitation has many common features with indoor cycling training which is used in fitness clubs. In the study, an attempt was made to evaluate the usefulness of this form of training in a 24-day rehabilitation program for patients after myocardial infarction. The study examined a group of 64 patients (51.34 ± 8.02 years) who were divided into two groups: the IC group (32 patients aged 53.40 ± 4.31 years) with indoor cycling training instead of standard endurance training; and the ST group (32 patients aged 55.31 ± 6.45 years) performing standard training. The level of exercise tolerance (cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a treadmill—Bruce’s protocol), hemodynamic indicators of the left ventricle (echocardiography) and blood lipid profile (laboratory test) were assessed. Results: In the IC group there was a significant increase in the test duration (9.21 ± 2.02 vs 11.24 ± 1.26 min; p < 0.001), the MET value (9.16 ± 1.30 vs 10.73 ± 1.23; p = 0.006) and VO₂max (37.27 ± 3.23 vs 39.10 ± 3.17 ml/kg/min; p < 0.001). Parallel changes were observed in the ST group, where the following parameters improved: the test duration (9.41 ± 0.39 vs 10.91 ± 2.22; p < 0.001), MET value (8.65 ± 0.25 vs 9.86 ± 1.12; p = 0.002) and VO₂max (36.89 ± 6.22 vs 38.76 ± 3.44; p < 0.001). No statistically significant changes were found in the hemodynamic indices of the left ventricle and the lipid profile. Also, the intergroup analysis did not show any statistical significance. Conclusion: Based on the research results, it was found that indoor cycling training in the second phase of cardiac rehabilitation is a safe form of therapy and therefore may be an interesting alternative method to the classic bicycle ergometer exercise in the stage of early cardiac rehabilitation.

The aim was to analyze the usability of Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (MLTPAQ) in assessment of physical activity in patients before and 6 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The study group consisted of 211 patients aged between 34-79 years (x = 59,5±7,89 yeras), with history of ischemic heart disease (IHD) with or without previous incidence of myocardial infarction (MI). The MLTPAQ was administered to all patients at the time of PCI and then 6 months later, as was the treadmill stress test (TST) and echocardiography (ECHO). Total energy expenditure calculated with the MLTPAQ remained at the same level and was of low intensity (<4 MET, <2000kcal/week) 6 months after the PCI. There was an increased physical capacity noted 6 months after initial PCI: increased metabolic cost (MET); maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max); maximal heart rate (HR_max) obtained during the TST and decreased resting heart rate (HR_rest). ECHO examination showed improved LVEF%. Despite increased physical capacity and improved heart hemodynamics, resulting most likely from PCI procedure, the patients showed a similar level of leisure time physical activity 6 months after the PCI.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the applied whole-body vibration training (WBV) as additional training to standard rehabilitation programme on exercise tolerance, evaluated through an exercise test, blood lipid profile, and the changes in selected echocardiographic parameters of patients after myocardial infarction. The study involved 63 males. The subjects were divided into two groups: standard—ST (27) and with vibration training—ST + WBV (36). All the subjects had undergone angioplasty with stent implantation. The standard and with vibration training group carried out a 24-day improvement program comprising 22 training units. Each session consisted of endurance, general stamina, and resistance training. Instead of resistance training, the experimental group performed exercises on the vibration platform. Statistically significant changes in both groups were observed in the parameters of the echocardiographic exercise test, such as test duration (p < 0.001), distance covered (p < 0.001), MET (p < 0.001), VO₂max (p < 0.001), and HRrest (p < 0.01). The echocardiographic test revealed significant improvement of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in both groups (ST + WBV group p = 0.024, ST group p = 0.005). There were no statistically significant changes in blood lipid profile and body mass and composition.