Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother.  2024 Apr;6(2):74-83. 10.36011/cpp.2024.6.e10.

Cardiac rehabilitation using intensive lifestyle habituation combined with outdoor exercise in an urban forest environment for primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease: a feasibility test

Affiliations
  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Seoul, Korea
  • 2Wellness Academy, Seoul, Korea
  • 3Department of Physical Education, Social Culture Graduate School, Jungwon University, Goesan, Korea
  • 4ACE Exercise Science Center, Seosan, Chungnam, Korea

Abstract

Background
We aimed to examine the feasibility of intensive lifestyle habituation with a subsequent home program, including forest-based exercise, as an alternative approach to conventional cardiac rehabilitation for both primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Methods
A total of 28 participants were included in a 1-week intensive education program aimed at fostering desirable lifestyle habits in the study: 17 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and 11 participants at high risk of CAD. Subsequently, they engaged in a self-directed, home-based program that included unstructured exercise in an urban forest. The terrain of the urban forest was analyzed to estimate metabolic equivalent levels and to assess safety and accessibility for patient exercise.
Results
Throughout the program, no adverse cardiac events were reported. Additionally, risk factors for CAD—including body composition, blood sugar levels, hemodynamic variables, total cholesterol levels, and cardiorespiratory endurance—showed significant improvement in both groups.
Conclusions
Intensive lifestyle habituation and unstructured, self-directed exercise in the forest were as effective and safe as conventional cardiac rehabilitation for patients with CAD. The study demonstrated that an urban forest could serve as a safe exercise environment in both primary and secondary prevention strategies for CAD.

Keyword

Coronary artery disease; Forests; Exercise; Cardiac rehabilitation; Walking

Figure

  • Fig. 1. Intensive lifestyle education program. CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

  • Fig. 2. Contour map of Seosan, Korea, for the primary prevention group.

  • Fig. 3. Contour map of Ansan, Korea, for the secondary prevention group.


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