Exercise Science Outreach
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
History
Dr. Robert Kertzer developed the UNH Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in 1978. Dr. Kertzer, trained as an Exercise Scientist and an avid reader of the literature related to exercise and cardiac disease, was convinced that the optimal treatment for cardiac disease was not bed rest but, instead, aerobic exercise. Therefore, in collaboration with Dr. Gladstone, an exercise program for cardiac patients was developed on the campus of the University of New Hampshire. This program was the first of its kind in the state of New Hampshire and became the model from which all other cardiac exercise programs in the state would be based. Today, the program is ongoing and has developed to include a variety of modalities including strength training.
The Program
The University of New Hampshire Cardiac Rehabilitation program is run out of the Department of Kinesiology. Exercise sessions (M-W-F) begin at 6:25 am and end at 7:30 am. Exercise sessions begin with a slow aerobic activities designed to increase heart rate, body temperature, and flexibility. Progressive stretching and calisthenics follow this activity portion. An aerobic program follows and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Individuals are encouraged to walk (or jog if appropriate) for at least 20 of the 45 minutes. Additional activities include cycling, rowing, treadmill walking or jogging, stair stepping, or cross-country skiing on stationary equipment. Also, individuals may perform strength building exercises using the Nautilus and free weight equipment in the fitness center. All activities are individually prescribed and participants are monitored by staff.
You and your physician will be updated on your progress on a quarterly and annual basis. Yearly treadmill tests are encouraged and can be performed by your cardiologist or personal physician, or by the Exercise Science faculty. A cardiologist is available if the test is performed at UNH to oversee all exercise tests conducted in our laboratory. A fee is associated with this procedure.
The UNH Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is also a training site for UNH graduate and undergraduate students in the Exercise Science option. They perform duties in the program and report to the Program Director. We also publish a quarterly newsletter, which will be mailed to you during the year. Periodic presentations and seminars are also provided. These occur after the exercise session and light refreshments are provided.
Who is the Program For?
The Phase III and IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at the University of New Hampshire is for anyone with coronary artery disease (CAD) who wishes to improve their overall health and well-being. Spouses of those with CAD are also welcome to participate in the program. Likewise, those without CAD but with any of the risk factors associated with an increased risk (smoking, overweight, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol) are welcome to join our program.
What are the Benefits of the Program?
Among the many benefits of regular physical activity are improvements in an individual’s ability to perform everyday activities, an improvement in psychological well-being, decreases in body fat, blood pressure and blood cholesterol, and a decreased risk for re-occurrence of a cardiac event.
Enrollment
Individuals interested in the program should contact:
Allison MacKenzie
Dept. of Kinesiology
UNH-Field House #2
Durham, NH 03824
862-0895
a.mackenzie@unh.edu
A recent treadmill graded exercise test is required. Once materials are accepted you will be contacted to establish a time when you can be oriented to the program. Participation in the program will begin after the orientation.
Cost
The fee for this program is $5.00 per session. The fee is used to offset costs associated with the program including emergency equipment and staff. This fee does not include any costs that you may incur as a result of seeing your cardiologist or personal physician.