A b s t r a c t Background and aim:The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different models of the second stage of cardiac rehabilitation on heart rate recovery (HRR). We also evaluated the effect of selected cardiovascular risk factors on HRR. Methods:The study included 103 patients (80 men and 23 women) aged 60.9 ± 10.7 years with a recent acute coronary syndrome undergoing the second stage of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation. An exercise test (ExT) was performed before and after rehabilitation.Results: HRR improved significantly only in women (26.5 bpm in ExT before rehabilitation vs. 32.8 bpm in ExT after rehabilitation, p < 0.05). The highest HRR was obtained in the subgroup rehabilitated according to the model A, and the lowest in subgroup C (31 vs. 22.1 bpm, p < 0.05). The highest increase in HRR was observed in the most seriously ill patients in subgroup C (18 bpm before rehabilitation vs. 22.1 bpm after rehabilitation). Conclusions:The most significant improvement in HRR was observed in the most seriously ill patients.

The study was conducted on fifteen 16-month Leghorn hens raised in cages under standard feeding conditions and lighting 14L: 10D (light from 7.00 to 21.00). The control group comprised hens that did not undergo any procedure, the second control group underwent a mock operation, while the experimental group was subjected to pinealectomy. The procedures were carried out under general anesthesia. Oxygen consumption was measured and rectal temperature recorded during the light (10.00-15.00 h) and dark (22.00 -3.00 h) periods of the day. Feed intake was recorded for the periods between 7.00-15.00 and 15.00-7.00 h. It was found that pinealectomy significantly increased nocturnal oxygen consumption and rectal temperature. Pinealectomized hens consumed considerably more feed during the day, particularly in the afternoon and at night. These results show that pinealectomy in adult hens modifies circadian metabolic rate and feed intake.