In outpatient rehabilitation involving cardiac patients apprehension of the rare cardiovascular
complications are crucial determinants of the sports activities whereas prophylactics
of injuries is thought to be less important. Retrospectively, questionnaires to specify
injuries were answered by 903 patients (61.7 ± 8 years, 753 men, 150 women from 116
coronary care groups, = 270,000 patient exercise hours [PEH]). Independently of the
patient's age and frequency of participation 123 traumas (1 per 2,200 PEH) occurred.
Ball games accounted for the majority of the injuries (101/123 = 82.1 %). Overstrains
and distorsions were most frequent (53.7 % =1 per 4,100 PEH) followed by bruises/
hematomas (15.4 % = 1 per 14,200 PEH), ruptured muscles, tendons, and ligaments (12.2
% = 1 per 18,000 PEH), bone fractures (11.4 % = 1 per 19,300 PEH), and abrasions or
slashes ((6.5 % = 1 per 33,750 PEH). Two of the slashes and the loss of eyesight in
one patient were caused by broken spectacles. Strains, and distorsions were primarily
located in the upper (25/27 = 43.8 %) or lower limbs (22/57 = 38.6 %). All ruptured
muscles, tendons and ligaments were of the lower extremities. The 14 bone fractures
were localized over the body. In sports with cardiac patients physicians must focus
on the cardiovascular system and stress the prophylaxis of injuries by teaching motor
and technical skills as well as tactics. Non-breakable spectacles are mandatory.
Key words
Outpatient rehabilitation - injuries - cardiovascular diseases
