What MET level is recommended for CAD patients before starting Resistance Training?

For patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), it is crucial to ensure that they have reached a safe level of physical functioning before beginning resistance training. The recommendation for a MET level of 5 reflects a moderate intensity of physical activity that is generally safe and beneficial for these individuals.

At 5 METs, patients are typically able to engage in activities such as walking briskly or cycling at a moderate pace, which indicates an adequate level of cardiovascular fitness. This level is important because it allows for safe participation in resistance training while minimizing the risk of cardiovascular complications. Engaging in resistance training at lower MET levels might not provide sufficient cardiovascular challenge, while higher MET levels could pose risks for patients who haven't adequately conditioned their heart and vascular system.

In the context of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise prescription, achieving a MET level of 5 before commencing resistance training is a guideline founded on the need for patients to have established a degree of cardiovascular stability and capability. Thus, it helps ensure that these patients can safely perform exercises that require strength and endurance without overexerting themselves or precipitating cardiac events.