Korean J Fam Pract.  2020 Dec;10(6):448-455. 10.21215/kjfp.2020.10.6.448.

The Correlations between the Number of Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Participation and Its Effects

• Jung MY
• Choi HR
• Ahn JM

• KMID: 2509639
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2020.10.6.448

Abstract

Background
There is no previous study analyzing the direct relationship between the number of cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP) attended and their effect.
Methods
We reviewed the data of 144 patients with cardiovascular disease who participated in CRPs and completed the pre- and post-program evaluation. We collected data on the blood pressure (BP), body composition, maximum consumption of oxygen (VO₂ max) by exercise test, and serum lipid levels. We compared the results of the pre- and post-program variables and analyzed correlations between the program participation number and the differences in the pre- and post-program data. Then, we performed subgroup analysis based on the program participation number (1–3, 4–10, 11–15, 16 and more).
Results
All data significantly differed after the program, except for the VO 2 max and triglyceride level. On correlation analysis, pre-post changes in body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM), and body fat percentage (BFP) showed a significant negative correlation with the program participation number. In the subgroup analysis, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse rate (PR) significantly decreased in the first group. Body muscle mass increased while BFM, BFP, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased in the second group. PR, BW BMI, BFM, and BFP decreased in the third group. SBP, PR, BFM, and BFP decreased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased in the fourth group.
Conclusion
There are significant differences in cardiovascular risk factors after CRP. In addition, the participation number of CRPs shows significant correlation with its effects.