Older Adults' Early Disability Following a Cardiac Event

Abstract

Using the disablement model, the authors examined the following questions in adults 70 years of age and older during the 6 weeks following hospitalization for a cardiac event: (a) What are the patterns in physical performance, self-report of functional limitations, and disability, and (b) to what extent does physical performance in the hospital and self-report of functional limitations pre-event predict 6-week disability? Data were collected before discharge and 3 and 6 weeks later on a sample of 60 older adults after a cardiac event. Results show that although the majority of participants improved in their objective physical performance, 70% self-reported no improvement or worsening. Physical performance during hospitalization is a better predictor of disability than a pre-event self-report of functional limitations, even when controlling for depression, gender, and comorbidity. Assessment of objective physical performance prior to discharge will help to identify older adults at risk for progressive disability.

Influence of an early recovery telehealth intervention on physical activity and functioning after coronary artery bypass surgery among older adults with high disease burden

“…However, recent studies indicate that pre-procedural comorbidities9,10,31, illness severity,2,32 daily functioning abilities33 and functional status34,35 can predict health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and recovery of functioning after cardiac revascularization. These findings corroborate the conclusion that there are cardiac patients who do not experience improved health status or HRQoL, and may actually experience impaired or delayed recovery of functioning, as well as have disability after CABS 2,10,28,34,36…”

“…Other researchers have noted that cardiac patients may have delayed recovery34 or experience disability and have limitations in their functioning after their cardiac events 36…”

Expectations, Anxiety, Depression, and Physical Health Status as Predictors of Recovery in Open-Heart Surgery Patients

“…Research has examined disability after a cardiac event and found that elders' perceptions of their limitations were not consistent with their objective physical performance. 40 This study did not include objective measurements of PHS so the findings are based solely on self-reports. Finally, extensive research has not been done using the Future Expectations Regarding Life with Heart Disease scale.…”

Investigating activity in hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A pilot study

“…There is evidence that pulmonary rehabilitation (defined as exercise training for at least 4 weeks) contributes to clinically important changes in activity tolerance and muscle function 54. In addition, there is some evidence that physical performance during hospitalization is a better predictor of disability than a pre-event self-report of functional limitations among older adults 55. Given the benefits of exercise and progressive mobility in patients with stable conditions, further exploration of the risks and benefits of early therapeutic mobility in preserving function and supporting recovery during acute exacerbation of COPD is warranted.…”