Effect of ACE Genotype on Cardiovascular Rehabilitation

Pharmacological inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme modifies exercise-induced pro-angiogenic and mitochondrial gene transcript expression. Exercise-induced muscle plasticity importantly interacts with the insertion/deletion genotype of ACE and the training modality and intensity. The aim of this study is to systematically investigate the interaction between training modality, ACE genotype and disease in heart patients whom complete a cardiovascular rehabilitation program. There are two training modalities being used: The first modality involves cardiovascular training by an interval type of protocol that includes a high repetition number of shortening (i.e. concentric) type contractions on a softrobotic device. The second modality includes a high repetition number of lengthening (i.e. eccentric) type contractions on a softrobotic device. In both training modalities the same muscle groups are exercised over the same range of motion, with the same speed of movement, but with widely differing pedal force. Total absolute external mechanical work will be matched. In order to assess the baseline values and the effect size of the muscle and training adjustments made, healthy male and female volunteers will be included who are matched with respect to age and sex to the patient population and undergo the same training program.