Football as the champion of cardiovascular prevention: results of the randomized and interventional MY-3F study (Fit & Fun with Football after myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease)

By
Bastian Schrader
Armin Weers
Burkhard Garmann
Stephan Lüders
Matteo Scorcelletti
Bernhard Vaske
Paul Meyer
Eugen Gehlenborg
Sandra Garstecki
Joachim Schrader
Albrecht Elsässer
May 21, 2025
0 min

European Journal Of Preventive Cardiology

At a Glance

Category	Detail
Condition	Myocardial infarction (MI) and coronary artery disease (CAD)
Key Mechanisms	Structured health-oriented football training improves cardiovascular fitness (VO2peak), lowers blood pressure and weight, and reduces depressive symptoms without serious injuries
Target Population	Patients aged 40 years and older with MI or CAD
Care Setting	Outpatient cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programs

Key Highlights

Football training group showed significant increase in VO2peak and running performance over 1 year compared to control group.
Blood pressure and weight decreased significantly in the football group, while control group showed no improvement or slight worsening.
Depressive symptoms improved significantly in the football group; no serious injuries or medical emergencies occurred.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

Identify patients with MI or CAD suitable for participation in structured physical activity programs.

Management

Implement a once-weekly, 75-minute health-oriented football training led by licensed coaches as a safe and effective intervention to improve cardiovascular fitness and risk factors.
Use football training to reduce reliance on antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications when appropriate.

Monitoring & Follow-up

Monitor cardiovascular fitness (VO2peak), blood pressure, weight, and depressive symptoms during and after intervention.
Observe for any adverse events or injuries during football training sessions.

Risks

Health-oriented football variant demonstrated no serious injuries or internal medical emergencies in patients with MI or CAD.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients post-myocardial infarction or with coronary artery disease participating in cardiovascular prevention programs

Once-weekly health-adapted football training improves fitness and cardiovascular risk factors, reduces medication needs, and enhances psychosocial well-being safely and cost-effectively.

Clinical Best Practices

Develop and implement health-oriented football programs tailored to cardiovascular patients to enhance adherence and enjoyment.
Incorporate team sports like football to leverage social community benefits for sustained physical activity.
Use structured, coach-led sessions to ensure safety and maximize cardiovascular benefits.
Consider football training as a complementary approach to traditional cardiovascular risk management.