Exercise Tolerance Level in Relation to Practice Short-Term Exercise Program in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Stable Myocardial Infarction

Background and Purpose: Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for developing myocardial infarction. Regular exercises have positive effects on glycemic control, weight reduction, blood pressure and improvement in exercise tolerance in diabetic patients with stable myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of practicing regular exercise program on exercise tolerance level in type 2 diabetic patients with stable myocardial infarction. Subjects and Methods: 30 male patients (56.55111.3 years) had type 2 diabetes (157.7116.8mg/dl) with stable myocardial infarction were participated in the study. Following baseline assessments, participants were categorized into two groups; exercise and control. Patients of the exercise group were enrolled in an outpatient hospital-based, supervised exercise program 3 times per week for 8 weeks supervised by the physical therapist. Data of pre- and post-measures were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: On comparing the mean post-measured parameters between the exercise and control groups, the results showed a significant increase in mean 6-minute walked distance (395.16142.67 Vs. 334.63145.28m). There were also significant reduction of mean blood glucose level (137.2+13.7 Vs. 161.5118.8mg/dl), decrease of mean resting heart rate (76.6+9.93 Vs. 80.818.72bpm) and of mean waist circumference (102.613.74 Vs. 108.213.87cm) for post-measures of exercise and control groups respectively. Conclusions: Participation in a regular supervised exercise program in type 2 diabetic patients with stable myocardial infarction was associated with improvement in exercise tolerance level. Improved glycemic control, systolic blood pressure and body weight have been demonstrated in such patients after practicing the exercise program.