On entry, an interview was performed to determine
the level of physical activity using the Tecumseh
Community Health Study Questionnaire,30 and the
level of community-based functional airment using
the Rand Corporation Functional Impairment
Questionnaire. This evaluation revealed that all
patients were sedentary, in that none exercised on a
regular basis (Table 1). None of the subjects could
perform vigorous activities such as jogging, skiing, or
other active sports, and all were limited in performing
moderate activities such as housework, yardwork,
bending, lifting, and walking. The patients spent a
majority of time performing light activities such as
sitting, driving, or office work. Twelve of 19 reported
that they were limited as to the type of employment
they could undertake because of their disease, and
seven could not work at all. There were no differences
in activity or impairment between treated or control
groups. In addition, 11 of the 19 patients were current
smokers, eight were former smokers, and 11 had
hypertension. Three patients had a history of peripheral
vascular surgery or angioplasty. Nine patients (six
treated and three controls) had coronary artery disease
determined by a history of myocardial infarction.