Fuentes Artiles R, Euler S, Auschra B, da Silva HB, Niederseer D, Schmied C, von Känel R, Jellestad L. Predictors of gain in exercise capacity through cardiac rehabilitation: Sex and age matter.
Heart Lung 2023;
62:200-206. [PMID:
37562338 DOI:
10.1016/j.hrtlng.2023.08.003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a cornerstone of secondary prevention that improves cardiovascular outcomes. However, the determinants of treatment success are poorly understood.
OBJECTIVES
We investigated the associations of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), sex, age, employment status and housing situation with improvement in exercise capacity throughout CR.
METHODS
We analyzed data from 392 CR outpatients (81% men and 19% women). Exercise capacity at baseline and upon completion of the program was measured with the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). HRQoL at CR entry was assessed with the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36).
RESULTS
A multivariable regression analysis revealed that both men and women showed significant improvement in exercise capacity (p < .001). Female sex (B = 18.118, 95% CI 0.341 - 36.035, p = .046) and younger age (B = -0.887, 95% CI -1.463 - -0.312, p = .003) emerged as predictors of greater improvement, while HRQoL, employment status, and housing situation were not associated with significant change in exercise capacity. The final model explained 25% of the variance in exercise capacity change (adjusted R2 = 0.25, p < .001).
CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that women and younger participants benefit from CR by improving their exercise capacity. Employment status, housing situation and HRQoL showed no effects on CR outcome.
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