An Evaluation of 12-months in Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract

Aims To evaluate key health and fitness parameters of cardiac patients participating in a Phase IV cardiac rehabilitation (CR) circuit class over a 12-month period.

Introduction: Exercise-based CR is a fundamental part of recovery from heart-related issues and is also an important secondary prevention strategy for risk factor management.

Methods 25 cardiac patients referred to a community Phase IV CR circuit class (males = 16; females = 9; mean age 74.1 ±5.9 years) were evaluated for key health and functional capacity parameters over a 12-month period (2018 and 2019). Anthropometric: body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference [WC]; health: resting systolic [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP) and resting heart rate [RHR]; and functional capacity measurement: 6-minute shuttle walking distance [6MWD].

Results BMI, WC, SBP, DBP and RHR did not significantly change. BMI was reported in an overweight classification (26.41 ±2.98 kg.m2). 40% of participants had a WC that exceeded recommended levels for substantially increased health risk (females ≥ 88 cm; males ≥ 102 cm). SBP and DBP both decreased and remained in a normotensive range. However, 6MWD significantly increased from 492.16 ±79.97 m to 509.20 ± 90.85 m (p=0.037).

Conclusion A once a week circuit-based exercise training session did not positively impact on anthropometric and health parameters. Additional interventions are needed at Phase IV to effectively manage risk factors (BMI, WC) and to preserve health. However, functional capacity improvement was achieved in 6MWD indicating increased fitness.

s.meadows@kent.ac.uk