Exercise Wiki
A clinical knowledge base for cardiac rehabilitation and low-impact fitness.
Designed for post-MI recovery, heart-healthy exercise programming, and sustainable strength for the over-50 male.
Last updated: 2026-06-25 — 30 pages across 12 concepts, 13 entities, 2 comparisons, 1 query, and source archive
How to Use This Wiki
If you're new to cardiac rehab, start here:
Key Clinical Numbers at a Glance
| Parameter |
Target |
Source |
| Minimum health |
≥ 1000 kcal/wk (~1050 MET-min/wk) |
AHA/CDC |
| Halt CAD progression |
≥ 1500 kcal/wk |
Secondary prevention research |
| Plaque regression |
≥ 2200 kcal/wk |
Secondary prevention research |
| Phase II intensity |
RPE 11–13 (Borg 6–20 scale) |
AACVPR |
| Phase II frequency |
3 days/wk → 20–30 min/session |
AACVPR |
| RT entry load |
40–50% 1-RM, 2 sets × 12–15 reps |
ACSM Outpatient CR |
| BP stop criterion |
SBP > 200 mmHg or DBP > 110 mmHg |
AACVPR |
| Mortality reduction |
10% per 1 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ ↑ functional capacity |
Volume research |
Patient Journey Map
Phase I (Inpatient) ──→ Phase II (Early Outpatient) ──→ Phase III (Intensive) ──→ Phase IV (Lifelong)
│ │ │ │
│ Passive ROM │ Walking, recumbent cycling │ Rowing, circuit training │ Community exercise
│ Assisted sitting │ Light bands, 1–3 lb weights │ Full RT program │ Yoga, Tai Chi
│ Deep breathing │ RPE 11–13, telemetry │ RPE 12–14, spot-check │ Self-monitored
────┘ └── 36 sessions, 12 weeks ─────┘ └── See Comparisons
Relevant pages: CR Phases · Aerobic Rx · RT Timeline · Low-Impact Modalities · Risk Stratification
All Pages
⌂ Concepts — the "what" and "why"
| Page |
Summary |
| Cardiac Rehabilitation Phases |
Four-phase framework: inpatient → subacute → intensive → lifelong maintenance |
| Aerobic Exercise Prescription |
HRR, Karvonen formula, Borg RPE, duration-first progression rule |
| Exercise Volume for Secondary Prevention |
1000/1500/2200 kcal/wk tiers, MET-minute formula, mortality correlation |
| Low-Impact Cardio Modalities |
Five modalities compared (rowing, swimming, walking, cycling, bands) + sample schedule |
| Resistance Training Entry Timeline |
MI/PCI/CABG timelines, sternal precautions, hemodynamic safety, Rx guidelines |
| Valsalva Maneuver |
Four-phase hemodynamic response, absolute contraindications, correct breathing technique |
| Yoga for Cardiac Recovery |
5 contraindicated posture categories, 5 heart-safe alternatives, breathwork warnings |
| Static Stretching |
15–60s holds for cool-down; never combined with Valsalva |
| Dynamic Flexibility |
Active ROM through full joint path; preferred warm-up protocol |
| Mobility Positions |
End-range joint positions for active control, capsule health, and positional breathing |
| Isometric Holds |
Static strength-endurance holds for BP management, core stability, and functional leg strength |
| Risk Stratification |
AACVPR low/moderate/high criteria — determines telemetry, GXT, and supervision needs |
| Page |
Type |
Key Use |
| Rowing |
Ergometer |
85% muscle engagement; Phase II → IV |
| Recumbent Cycling |
Stationary bike |
Back-supported; Phase II preferred for balance-impaired |
| Yoga |
Mind-body |
Phase III–IV only; contraindicated postures listed |
| Tai Chi |
Mind-body |
Phase IV; strong fall prevention, zero Valsalva risk |
| Swimming |
Aquatic |
Hydrostatic venous return; Phase II water walking → IV laps |
| Calisthenics |
Bodyweight RT |
Leverage-progressed resistance; Phase II → IV |
| Bar Hang |
Mobility + grip |
Zero-impact grip endurance; longevity biomarker; Phase II → IV |
| Japanese Interval Walking |
Aerobic interval |
3-min fast/3-min slow protocol; 15–20% VO₂max gains; Phase II → IV |
| Asian Squat |
Mobility + isometric |
Deep squat resting position; functional independence; Phase II → IV |
| World's Greatest Stretch |
Dynamic flexibility |
Full-body warm-up; hips, spine, shoulders; Phase II → IV |
| Zone 2 Cardio |
Aerobic endurance |
Below lactate threshold; mitochondrial base; Phase II → IV |
| Plyometrics |
Power training |
Age-adapted jump training; fall prevention; Phase III → IV |
| Loaded Carries |
Resistance + aerobic |
Concurrent grip, core, cardio; Phase III → IV |
⌂ Comparisons — side-by-side decisions
| Page |
Compares |
Best For |
| Tai Chi vs Yoga |
Safety, risk, balance, suitability |
Deciding which mind-body modality to recommend |
| Rowing vs Recumbent Cycling |
Muscle engagement, spinal load, MET demand |
Sequencing modalities across CR phases |
⌂ Queries — synthesized answers
Quick Reference: Where to Find What
Log — chronologically tracks every wiki action, ingest, and update.