Cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, are the leading causes of mortality worldwide. A sedentary lifestyle with consistently low levels of physical activity significantly contributes to the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. This master's thesis aims to present the latest guidelines for strength training in individuals with coronary artery disease and review the acute and chronic effects of exercise on the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems of these individuals. The primary goal of this thesis was to develop exercise cards designed to facilitate guided or independent strength training for individuals with CAD.
We conducted a literature review using databases such as PubMed, PEDro, and Google Scholar, adhering to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our goal was to identify the most effective strength training methods and their impact on individuals with CAD.
In the past, strength training was considered contraindicated for individuals with cardiovascular diseases. However, the reviewed studies demonstrate that such training is both safe and effective. Research shows that strength training benefits cardiovascular health in individuals with CAD. Strength training increases muscle strength and endurance, which contributes to improving overall physical performance and enhancing quality of life.
We presented the exercise methodology in detail, where individuals with CAD were categorized based on their basic knowledge and fitness level. They were divided into three groups: (1) beginner level, (2) intermediate level, and (3) advanced level. The selection of exercises was tailored to the acute cardiovascular response at the end of each set and was also adjusted for the three levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced). The difficulty levels of the exercise program progressively increase, with the first version representing the easiest and the third the most challenging. This approach allows each individual to adapt the workout to their current fitness level and progress over time.
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