Effects of Low- and High-Frequency Cardiac Rehabilitation on Risk Factors, Physical Fitness and Quality of Life in Middle-Aged Women with Coronary Heart Disease

Abstract

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a system that comprehensively manages risk factors to reduce the recurrence rate after cardiovascular disease treatment. This study compared the effects of home-based low-frequency CR (1–2 times/week) and center-based high-frequency CR (3–5 times/week) for 12 weeks. This study was conducted as an observational case-control study. Ninety women, ages 45 to 60, who underwent coronary artery stenting were enrolled. Measurement variables were waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), triglycerides (TG), glucose, VO2 peak, body composition, and quality of life. Significant changes were observed in systolic BP, TC, LDLC, TG, VO2 peak, exercise duration, and quality of life in both groups. However, BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, HDLC, and blood glucose only exhibited significant changes with HFT. The interaction effects according to time and group were as follows: systolic BP, waist circumference, body fat, BMI, HDLC, and glucose (p < 0.05). Therefore, in CR participants, HFT improved more than LFT on obesity factors, HDLC, and glucose change. As well as center-based HFT, home-based LFT also improved risk factors for cardiovascular disease, fitness, and quality of life. For female patients who have difficulty visiting the CR center frequently, home-based LFT may be a CR program that can be presented as an alternative.

Non-Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Therapy Applied in Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

“…It is the main intervention used as secondary prevention [18]. CRP programs incorporate essential elements, such as nutrition, psychological well-being, and education, that provide health benefits and economic advantages by reducing hospitalization times and medical expenses, improving patient prognosis, and reducing mortality by up to 53% [19,20]. However, despite the benefits of CRP, patient participation and adherence rates in these programs remains low, around 30% [21], with a dropout rate between 12% and 56% [22].…”

“…However, despite the benefits of CRP, patient participation and adherence rates in these programs remains low, around 30% [21], with a dropout rate between 12% and 56% [22]. The reasons for this low rate may include lack of awareness on the part of patients, lack of economic resources and social support [19,22], as well as the perception of therapy as monotonous and based on poorly challenging and motivating exercises. In this context, the inclusion of new technologies that gamify CRP protocols, making them more engaging, could improve adherence and motivation [23].…”