Aktuelle Aspekte im Herzsport: Von der Historie zum Status quo

The benefit of exercise therapy after cardiac events is well documented. In addition to positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors, the mechanisms are increasingly being discovered. The focus is on the vasoactive effects, e.g. on stem cells, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. In Germany the structure as a so-called rehabilitation pathway is unique: after early mobilization in the acute hospital and inpatient and outpatient follow-up recovery programs, the success of these interventions is prolonged in local outpatient cardiac rehabilitation groups. Overall, results of scientific research in terms of the benefits are still sparse and even show a positive selection of participants. In addition to the necessity for more evidence, the extension of these programs particularly to special patient groups, e.g. heart failure, internet-based counseling, involvement of qualified fitness studios, as well as optimization of the level of exercise therapy for the entire cardiology and cardiac surgery patient clientele are new challenges for sports rehabilitation medicine.