Impact of Cardiac Rehabilitation on the Ability of Elderly Cardiac Patients to Perform Common Household Tasks

PURPOSE: The consequences of coronary artery disease may significantly limit functional independence of elderly patients. While cardiac rehabilitation (CR) exercise programs have been shown to improve health outcomes such as exercise capacity, little is known about the impact such programs have on daily functional abilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of CR on ability of elderly patients to perform common household tasks. METHODS: Twenty-two postmyocardial infarction patients (10 women and 12 men; age 75 +/- 6.3 years) were studied. Patients were tested pre-CR and post-CR. Physical function (PF) was assessed using the Continuous Scale Physical Function Performance 10 test battery, which includes 10 everyday tasks that progress from easy (personal tasks) to moderate (household tasks) to difficult (mobility tasks). Self-reported PF was measured using the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36-Item questionnaire. RESULTS: Post-CR, the global Continuous Scale Physical Function Performance 10 score increased significantly (57 + 12 vs 50 + 16; P = .002). Prior to CR, 7 patients scored at or above the threshold for independent living, as defined by a global score of 57 or more units; however, post-CR, 12 patients scored above the threshold. There was no change in self-reported PF, post-CR. CONCLUSIONS: A 20-session exercise-based CR program significantly enhanced elderly patient ability to live independently by improving ability to perform common household tasks.