Workload accomplished in phase III cardiac rehabilitation

Abstract

Cardiac rehabilitation is known for improving individual’s cardiovascular health and observing other exercise related benefits. However, no studies have recorded the amount of workload accomplished in a phase III program. PURPOSE: To monitor and record exercise of individuals in a phase III cardiac rehabilitation program. METHODS: Twenty-six subjects from the La Crosse Exercise and Health Program (LEHP) participated in this study, thirteen males and thirteen females. Subjects wore an ActiGraph device on their hip for three consecutive weeks to track their steps. On the log sheet subjects recorded wearing the device and exercise session which consisted of logging minute exercised and session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE). RESULTS: An average weekly amount of steps accomplished was 39,818.4 ± 18,612.55, 7,260.5 ± 6,169.74 steps accomplished in LEHP and 32,653.8 ± 15,363.68 steps accomplished outside of LEHP. Average weekly time exercised was 266.5 ± 170.85 min/week, with 162.4 ± 93.15 min/week accomplished in LEHP and 144.9 ± 126.83 min/week accomplished outside of LEHP. Average sRPE was 12.6 ± 3.84, with an average sRPE of 12.6 ± 1.91 in LEHP and 11.8 ± 5.76 outside LEHP. Subjects achieved an average weekly load of 3,359.8 ± 2.145.89 (AU) with a load of 2,042.5 ± 1,244.95 (AU) accomplished in LEHP and a load of 1,723.9 ± 1,526.17 (AU) was accomplished outside of LEHP. Frequency of exercise on average was 4.2 ± 1.15 days/week, with 1.8 ± 0.72 days/week in LEHP and 2.4 ± 1.51 outside LEHP. CONCLUSION: Amount of time exercising per week exceeded ACSM Guidelines recommended amount and a high enough workload was accomplished to see improvements in mean arterial pressure, cholesterol, body mass index and increase chance of event free survival