Exercise in the Practice of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Austria: Effects on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Markers, Mortality, and Morbidity

Investigative Team:

Professor Stephen F. Crouse
Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

Professor Serge Von Duvillard
Texas A&M University, Commerce, Texas

Professor Doctor Peter Schmid
Rehabilitations-und Kurzentrum Austria, Bad Schallerbach, Austria

OA. Dr. Robert Berent
Rehabilitations-und Kurzentrum Austria, Bad Schallerbach, Austria

Dr. Peter Grandjean
Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama

Dr. John S. Green
Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in industrialized societies. Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease is a world-wide priority. Our international collaborative research effort is aimed at finding new ways to prevent and treat this global disease. We are in the process of collecting and analyzing data from approximately 400 patients with documented heart disease who have undergone a supervised program of cardiac rehabilitation and risk factor management that included pharmacologic and nutritional intervention and regular exercise. The data are being collected as part of the regularly prescribed, comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program at Rehabilitations-und Kurzentrum Austria, a rehabilitation facility in Bad Schallerbach, Austria. Once these data have been analyzed, effectiveness of current practices will be determined. From these analyses, new approaches will be devised as warranted to improve patient outcomes. Results from this study are projected to provide a basis for the development of optimal programs to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease, and reduce cardiac morbidity and mortality. Research Presentations that have been delivered to the International American College Of Sports Medicine Conference and the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Conference canbe viewed by click on the PowerPoint Presentation below the pictures .

Discriminating which patients develop post-operative atrial fibrillation (Powerpoint)

Effects of four weeks of cardiac rehab on risk factors in female cardiac patients (PowerPoint)

Training improves exercise capacity and coronary risk in men with heart disease (PowerPoint)