Objective To develop a phase I exercise rehabilitation program after PCI for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI) patients and evaluate its effect. Methods Seventy-five patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI were assigned to a control group of 37 and an intervention group of 38 chronologically.The control group was given routine care, while their counterparts in the intervention group were subjected to a phase I exercise rehabilitation program after PCI.The Functional Independence Measure (FIM), 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Ri-chards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) were utilized to assess the effect at postoperative day 1 and before discharge. Results The intervention group had significantly higher FIM and RCSQ scores, whereas lower GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores compared with the control group （P＜0.01 for all）. Conclusion The phase I exercise rehabilitation program for STEMI patients after PCI can enhance their functional independence, and improve anxiety, depression, and sleep quality.