The authors analyse the possibility and safety of including patients in a cardiorehabilitation program in the earlier period after an episode of decompensation of chronic cardiac insufficiency (CCI). The influence of a short-term course of interval training on tolerability of physical exercises and quality of life was estimated in 162 patients with CCI hospitalized for the treatment of decompensation. 125 (77.2%) of them did not meet the criteria for inclusion in the rehabilitation program, the main causes being moderate or severe aortic stenosis, orthopedic or neurologic restrictions. 19 of the 32 patients included in the program participated in the three-week training course but only 15 (78.9%) completed it. The increment of peak oxygen consumption averaged 23 ml/kg/min (17.4%).
Aged Chronic Disease