Authors (including presenting author) :
Lam CPY(1), Lee WWY(1), Ko LKY(1), Uy JCH(1), Liu YM(1), Chao CYL(1), Chan NY (2), Lam SK (2), Leung CYY(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Physiotherapy Department, Princess Margaret Hospital, (2) Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital
Introduction :
The escalating prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) attributed to factors, such as population growth, aging, and sedentary lifestyles, has emerged as a significant global health challenge. Cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP) have been extensively recognized for their pivotal role in aiding recovery and curtailing recurrence rates among patients following cardiac events. In response to the growing service demand, a structured exercise-based CRP, supervised by physiotherapists and nurses, was implemented at Princess Margaret Hospital of the Kowloon West Cluster (KWC) starting from October 2023.
Objectives :
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the CRP in the KWC in enhancing self-efficacy, physical endurance, muscular strength, and body composition in individuals with CVD.
Methodology :
A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted. Demographic and clinical data for patients completed the CRP in the KWC between January to November 2024 were extracted for analysis. Outcome measures included self-efficacy measurement using the Hong Kong Chinese version of the Cardiac Exercise Self-Efficacy Instrument (CESEI-C). Physical endurance and muscular strength were assessed using the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and hand grip strength (HGS) respectively. Body composition parameters, including body fat percentage (BFP) and muscle mass, were appraised using a non-invasive body composition analyzer. Evaluation was conducted at baseline and upon the completion of the CPR. Pair t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for statistical analysis for parametric and non-parametric variables respectively. The significant level was set at p< 0.05.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 105 patients (85 males, 20 females; mean age 64.43±9.07 years), diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, and other CVD, who received medical treatment, percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting, were included in the study. Upon completion of the CRP, there was a significant improvement in the 6MWT distance (p< 0.001, mean difference = 43.83±137.61 metres), HGS (p< 0.001, mean difference = 2.35±11.29kgF), and a significant reduction in BFP (p=0.01, mean difference = 1.01±11.22%). No statistically significant changes were observed in muscle mass. Furthermore, a significant increase in the CESEI-C score (p< 0.001, median increase =7) was demonstrated.
The findings suggest that the CRP in the KWC held promise in not only enhancing physical capacities and body composition but also in bolstering psychological resilience and self-assurance in individuals with CVD. These results advocate for the continued implementation and optimization of CRPs as integral components of comprehensive care strategies for CVD patients, underscoring their potential to significantly contribute to recovery, quality of life, and overall health.
