A randomized trial of exercise training in patients with coronary heart disease

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Abstract
To determine whether or not regular exercise could alter myocardial perfusion or function, 146 male volunteers with stable coronary heart disease were randomized to either a supervised exercise program (n = 72) or to a usual care program (n = 74). Subjects underwent exercise tests initially and 1 yr later. Significant differences between the 2 groups included improved aerobic capacity, Tl ischemia scores, and ventricular function in the exercise intervention group. It was not possible to classify the conditions of patients as to the likelihood of improvement or deterioration. This study demonstrated changes in myocardial perfusion and function in a select group of middle-aged men with coronary heart disease who underwent a medically appropriate exercise program lasting 1 yr, but these changes were relatively modest.