Exercise-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Improves Physical Health And Quality Of Life In Elderly Women

Abstract

Post-event cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and quality of life (QoL) while reducing depression and anxiety. Unfortunately women are less likely than men to participate in CR, despite research showing women benefit from CR, more than men. Similarly, women who complete CR have a 64% reduction in mortality rate, compared to those who don’t complete CR. Research on the efficacy of CR in elderly women is lacking and research is needed to assess exercise-based CR’s role in physical health and quality of life post cardiac event. PURPOSE: This study sought to examine the effectiveness of an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program on CRF, self-reported QoL, depression and anxiety in elderly women with CVD. METHODS: Participants (n=30) with CVD (71.2 ± 5.2 yrs) were referred to an exercise-based CR program located in Auckland, NZ. All participants underwent baseline and follow-up assessment which included a ramped ECG monitored maximal exercise test with gas analysis, a QoL (Short Form-36), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. Participants completed 3 weekly sessions of aerobic (40-70% VO2R), resistance (1-2 sets; 12-15 reps at 40-80% 1RM) and balance and flexibility exercise, totalling approximately 60 minutes/session. Significantly different (p<.05) pre- vs. post-program values were identified by dependent t-tests. Data are the mean ± SD. RESULTS: Post-program CRF significantly increased (18.5 ± 6.3 to 21.1 ± 7.5 ml.kg-1.min-1) despite no significant increase in HRpeak (131.9 ± 28.7 to 132.1 ± 40.1 bpm) and respiratory exchange ratio (1.03 ± 0.1 to 1.03 ± 0.2) during maximal exercise testing. Resting heart rate decreased significantly (72.4 ± 11.8 to 68.6 ± 10.8 bpm), whilst no change in systolic (126.3 ± 24.2 to 129.8 ± 16.0 mmHg) or diastolic blood pressure (82.0 ± 16.0 to 79.2 ± 8.2) was observed. SF36 component scores for physical (49.4 ± 41.5 to 72.6 ± 37.3) and mental health (74.9 ± 15.9 to 82.8 ± 10.1) increased significantly while the HADs anxiety (5.6 ± 3.4 to 3.6 ± 2.3) and depression (2.9 ± 2.4 to 1.8 ± 1.8) scores were significantly lower post-program. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of exercise-based exercise CR is safe and effective for increasing CRF, and QoL while reducing depression and anxiety in elderly women.