| The long-term effects of a 3-month exercise rehabilitation program were evaluated in a 6-year follow-up study of 26 male cardiac patients (from an original sample of 46 patients; Roviaro, Holmes & Holmsten, 1984). Seventeen patients who participated in a 3-month exercise rehabilitation program, and 9 patients who received routine care following an infarction or bypass surgery were reassessed in terms of their cardiovascular, psychological and psychosocial functioning. The results consistently indicated that the immediate and short-term benefits of exercise rehabilitation noted in the original investigation diminished over time. Relative to routine care subjects, over the 6-year period, exercise subjects demonstrated declines in exercise activity, treadmill performance, understanding of dietary restraints, perceptions of current and future health, and body-concept. Exercise subjects achieved fewer goals and were more depressed and overweight than routine care subjects after 6 years. In contrast, routine care subjects demonstrated improvements in exercise activity and understanding of dietary restraints, and spent more time vacationing. No effects were found regarding mortality or morbidity; medicine, angina or smoking compliance; resting or exercise blood pressure or heart rates; self-concept; or reinvolvement in daily activities. The implications of these findings concerning the long-term effects of time-limited exercise rehabilitation were discussed. |
