Aerobic capacity and peripheral skeletal muscle function in coronary artery disease male patients.

The aim of this study was to determine if the diminished aerobic capacity of coronary artery disease male (CAD) patients is accompanied by an impaired skeletal muscle function compared to healthy control subjects. Thirteen CAD patients and 9 healthy subjects performed both a maximal laboratory exercise testing and an assessment of the peripheral skeletal muscle function on an isokinetic apparatus. The cardiorespiratory and mechanical parameters were measured at ventilatory threshold and at maximal effort during a maximal exercise testing. The peripheral skeletal muscle function of the quadriceps was assessed from the maximal voluntary isometric force (MVIF) and from the static endurance time (SET) at an intensity of 50 % of the MVIF. The CAD patients showed a diminished aerobic capacity compared to healthy control subjects at maximal effort (maximal VO(2) uptake: p < 0.0001, maximal ventilation: p < 0.01; maximal heart rate: p < 0.0001, maximal power: p < 0.001) but also at VT (VO(2) uptake VT: p < 0.0001, Power VT: p < 0.001). No difference was found on the MVIF (p < 0.90) between the CAD patients and the control subjects whereas the SET was lower in the CAD patients (p < 0.01). The CAD patients had a lower aerobic capacity and an impaired skeletal muscle endurance compared to healthy subjects.