Effects of cardiac rehabilitation on left ventricle function and mass evaluated by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in post myocardial infarction patients

Methods Twenty-six male patients, 52.9 ± 7.9 years, after a first myocardial infarction were assigned in two groups: 18 in trained group (TG) and eight in control group (CG). The TG performed supervised aerobic exercise on treadmill at 50 to 70% of heart rate reserve, twice a week. The groups were followed for at least three months. Laboratory tests, anthropometric measurements, exercise test and cardiac magnetic resonance were conducted before and after intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using the nonparametric tests with a significance level of 5%.