Motivation:

To determine the effects of a physical exercise program in the anthropometric characteristics and postsurgical functional capacity after coronary revascularization or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Methods:

Uncontrolled clinical before and after study, in 49 patients who has undergone coronary revascularization or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Body mass index, abdominal girth, waist-to-hip ratio, hip perimeter and cardiorespiratory function were assessed by means of the six-minute walk test before and after the physical exercise program. It consisted of continuous aerobic, muscle resistance, balance and coordination exercises three times a week during a total of 12 weeks.

Results:

Abdominal girth changed from 91.4 cm to 88.4 cm (p = 0.003) in women and from 93.6 cm to 89.8 cm (p = 0.000). A significant increase of the walked distance was achieved, from 330 to 436 meters (p = 0.000); energy use from 3.4 to 4.1 MET (p = 0.000); and maximum capacity of absorbing, transporting and consuming oxygen, from 12 to 14 ml/Kg/min.

Conclusion:

The physical activity program used in this study contributed to an increase in all participants of the cardiorespiratory function and exercise tolerance, and to a decrease in abdominal girth. These beneficial effects change the prognosis of the coronary disease and reduce the metabolic risk factors.

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