Effect of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program on mental health at patients after myocardial infarction

Objective: The aim of the present review is to evaluate the effect of an exercise-based CR program on mental health at patients after myocardial infarction. Materials and Methods: PubMed/Medline and Scopus/Elsevier electronic databases were searched for English control trials with no publication date limitation. Results: The articles that finally met all the inclusion criteria and were analyzed, after the screening of the title, the summary and the whole text, were 3. A total of 488 patients who received exercise-based CR were examined in this review. Discussion: The review demonstrated that exercise in the CR improves the psychological parameters of patients after an acute coronary episode. Systematic exercise of various types and moderate intensity, in supervised CR programs of 2-3 months, reduced the levels of adverse characteristics at all ages and in both sexes, while in fact no individualized psychological help was given to any patient during the intervention. Among those who have experienced OEM for the first time, there are increased levels of fear - avoidance of exercise that can lead to restriction of movement and activity, thus worsening their condition and making it difficult for them to recover. Participating in a 4-month exercise program significantly reduced the levels of these beliefs, while increasing the physical activity levels of these patients.