Objective
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the beta blocker effect on excercise ability and hemodynamics after cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP).Method: Thirty-two patients with coronary artery disease were divided into two groups: 16 patients in the beta blocker group and 16 patients in the control group. CRP with aerobic exercise was done for 6 weeks. Before and after CRP, a symptom limited graded exercise test was done.Results: The maximal exercise time and the maximal oxygen uptake were significantly higher, and the percentage of maximal oxygen uptake and the rating of perceived exertion were significantly lower after CRP as compared to those parameters before CRP in both groups (p＜0.05). There were no significant differences in above parameters between the beta blocker and control groups (p＞0.05). The submaximal heart rate and submaximal rate pressure product (RPP) were significantly lower after CRP as compared to those before CRP in both groups (p＜0.05). After CRP, the maximal heart rate and the submaximal RPP were significantly lower in the beta blocker group than in control (p＜0.05).Conclusion: A beta blocker can be widely used in CRP without having a negative effect on exercise capacity in the patients with coronary artery disease. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2004; 28: 281-287)