Final answer:
The duration of exercise bouts during inpatient cardiac rehabilitation should strive for an exercise/rest ratio of 1:3.
Step-by-step explanation:
The duration of exercise bouts during inpatient cardiac rehabilitation should allow for rests as necessary but strive for an exercise/rest ratio of 1:3.
Rest is important during exercise to prevent overexertion and maintain safety. However, the exercise/rest ratio should be balanced to optimize the benefits of the exercise program in improving cardiovascular fitness.
An exercise/rest ratio of 1:3 means that for every unit of exercise, there should be three units of rest. For example, if a patient exercises for 10 minutes, they should rest for 30 minutes.