Psychological Effects of Exercise in Cardiac Patients

Maria Mousouli, Yannis Theodorakis & Alexandros Kritikos

Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Hellas

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to review the literature examining the effect of cardiac rehabilitation pro- grams, linked with physical activity programs, in psychological parameters and quality of patients’ life. The research and gathering of the articles has been taken from big database and electronically libraries. The findings of most studies establish the important role of physical activity in cardiac rehabilitation programs for chronic heart failure patients, patients with acute myocardial infraction and by-pass patients. At the same time, the role of exercise is beneficial for the improvement of patients’ quality of life and particularly for the prevention of depression and anxiety. The contribution of physical activity is substantial in rehabilitation programs, as it reflected not only on physiological, but also on psychological indicators.

Key words: cardiac rehabilitation programs, psychological effect