History
Dr. Robert Kertzer developed the University of New Hampshire Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in 1978. Dr. Kertzer, who lived a long and active life, was a trained Exercise Scientist and avid reader of literature related to exercise and cardiac disease. He was convinced that the optimal treatment for cardiac disease was activity and not bed rest. Therefore, in collaboration with Dr. Gladstone, an exercise program for cardiac patients opened its doors on campus. This program was the first of its kind in the state of New Hampshire and it became the model from which all other cardiac exercise programs in the state would be based.
The Program
The University of New Hampshire Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention program is run by the Department of Kinesiology. Exercise sessions occur daily at various times (MWF at 7:30am, Tu/Th at 11:00am).
In-person exercise sessions begin with monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and body weight. A warm-up of slow aerobic activities is designed to increase heart rate, body temperature, and mobility. The warm-up is followed by an individualized exercise prescription incorporating various elements of physical fitness (i.e. cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, balance, etc.) which can last between 30-45 minutes. All sessions end with a cool-down and repeated measurement of vital signs. During the academic year, the program also consists of weekly blog/newsletter updates and student-led education presentations focused on exercise and cardiovascular disease.
You and your physician can be updated on your progress as requested. Yearly treadmill tests are encouraged and can be performed by your cardiologist, personal physician, or by the Exercise Science faculty.
The UNH Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention program serves as a training site for UNH graduate and undergraduate students in Exercise Science. Senior level students perform duties in the program and report to the Program Director.
In-person sessions are held at the UNH Employee Fitness Center located at Putnam Hall Room 131 (33 Sage Way, Durham, NH 03824).
Who is the Program For?
The Phase III and IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is designed for anyone with known cardiovascular disease (CVD) who has completed a clinic-based (Phase II) cardiac rehabilitation program. Family members or care givers are also welcomed to participate in the program. The Cardiac Prevention Program is designed for those without diagnosed cardiovascular disease but who have known risk factors that may predispose them to CVD (i.e. family history, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes).
What are the Benefits of the Program?
Among the many benefits of regular physical activity are improvements in an individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living, psychological well-being, blood glucose control, body composition, increased bone mineral density, decreased blood pressure and blood cholesterol, and a decreased risk for re-occurrence of a cardiac event.
Enrollment
Once your enrollment paperwork, health history, and physician clearance are completed and accepted, you will be contacted to schedule a time for orientation into the program. Individuals interested in the program should contact:
Kimberly Brian, MS, ACSM-CEP, CCT
Dept. of Kinesiology
New Hampshire Hall Room 213
124 Main Street
Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-0597
Kimberly.Brian@unh.edu
