Abstract 261: The Impact of Exercise Training on Depression, Anxiety and Physical Capacity in Women After Myocardial Infarction

Introduction: Anxiety and depression are commonly observed risk factors in CAD patients, especially in women, and are also strong predictors of mortality in patients after myocardial infarction (MI). Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of exercise training on depression, anxiety and physical capacity in women after MI. Methods: The study comprised 30 women aged 59.2±8.1 after MI. All subjects underwent an 8-week training program (TP) consisted of 24 interval trainings. At the beginning of and after completing the TP, all pts underwent (1) a symptom limited exercise stress test (EST) during which the following parameters were analyzed: maximal workload (W), duration (min), double product- DP (mmHg/min) at rest and at peak effort; (2) depression intensity assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); (3) anxiety assessed with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: The depression intensity decreased significantly after TP (14.8±8.7 vs 10.5±8.8; p< 0.01). The initial anxiety manifestation for state anxiety was found to be 45.7±9.8 and decreased to 40.8±7.8 (p< 0.01) after TP. Physical capacity improved significantly after TP: max workload 92.2±22.2 vs 108.6±26.1 (p< 0.001), EST duration 4.4±1.2 vs 5.4±1.4 (p<0.001), DP at rest 8584.8±1416 vs 8031.0±1562 (p<0.001), DP at peak effort 19511.9±3092 vs 20848.9±3970 (p<0.001). Conclusions: 1. Participating in a training program beneficially contributed to a decrease in depression and anxiety manifestation in post-MI women. 2. Physical capacity improved significantly after training program.