Aerobic Training in Post-MI Patients With DPN

The exercise group underwent an outpatient EB-CR program (phase II) according to the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for exercise prescription for cardiac patients.\[19\] Sessions were 3 days/week for 8 weeks. The program included: (1) Warm up (10 minutes): stretching exercises. (2) Aerobic exercise training using treadmill (30 - 60 minutes/session): with target heart rate (HR) at 45 - 75% of HR reserve. The maximal HR (HR max) was derived from that obtained during exercise stress test (EST). Patients who had ischemic/arrhythmic manifestations during EST, exercise intensity was prescribed at a HR below the ischemic threshold (10 beats below). (3) Cool down (10 minutes): light intensity treadmill walking. Supervision was provided according to the risk status of each patient that was determined according to the American Association of cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation criteria for risk stratification.