Hypnosis and Exercise — a Possible Combined Therapy following Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Six patients with proven myocardial infarction had reached a plateau of physiological status after two years of regular hypnotherapy. At this point, they commenced combined therapy, supplementing continued attendance at the hypnosis classes with adherence to an exercise prescription that called for endurance-type activity five times per week. Substantial gains of aerobic power and muscle force were recorded over the first year of combined therapy. Indications for this pattern of treatment are discussed.