Early ambulation after myocardial infarction. The in-patient exercise program.

At present, the care of patients with myocardial infarction, especially those with few or no complications, is characterized by an abbreviation of the period of bed rest, a decrease in the restriction of activity, earlier resumption of physical activity, and earlier discharge from the hospital for appropriately selected individuals. The physiologic basis for early ambulation is reviewed and a program for rehabilitative physical activity is outlined.