A physical activity referral program improves risk factors in those who have completed cardiac rehabilitation.

Hanson, C.; Neubeck, L.; Dodd-Reynolds, C.

Abstract

Background: On completion of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), participants may be referred to community-based physical activity programs. There is limited data to determine additional benefits of these programs supplemental to CR.

Methods: Using longitudinal referral data from the 24-week Northumberland Exercise Referral Scheme (2009-2015), we examined uptake, 12-week adherence and 24-week completion. Pre and post-program self-reported physical activity levels, body mass index and waist circumference were explored via repeated measures analyses. Multivariate analysis assessed whether demographic/personal factors predicted uptake and completion.

Results: Of 11,233 referrals made by health care professionals, 830 (7.4%) were CR completers. For this group, uptake was 85.2% (n = 707). Referrals were predominantly male (70.8%). Mean age was 65.2 (SD10.37) years. Of those who started, 77.4% (n = 547) were 12-week adherers and 66.5% (n = 470) were 24-week completers. Physical activity levels increased (baseline = 30.6% active, final = 44.5% active; p < 0.001). There were decreases in body mass index (baseline = 28.2 (SD4.8) kg/m2, final = 27.9 (SD4.5) kg/m2; p < 0.05) and waist circumference (baseline = 100.5 (SD12.8) cm, final = 99.1 (SD12.5) cm; p < 0.001). Using regression minimally increased ability to predict uptake and completion. Being aged 65–74 years was positively associated with uptake (OR 4.030; 95% CI 2.234-7.271; p < 0.001). Being aged 65-74 (OR 2.132; 95% CI 1.268-3.387; p < 0.05) and not smoking (OR 2.801; 95% CI 1.073-7.271; p < 0.05) were positively associated with completion, while being female (OR 0.663; 95% CI 0.461-0.953; p < 0.05) was negatively associated.

Conclusion: A community-based activity program led to significant positive changes in cardiovascular risk factors beyond those achieved on CR completion. Research is required to better understand influences on uptake and adherence.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: 65th Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting
• Start Date: Aug 10, 2017
• End Date: Aug 13, 2017
• Acceptance Date: May 17, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Aug 14, 2017
• Publication Date: 2017
• Deposit Date: Mar 21, 2018
• Journal: Heart, Lung and Circulation
• Print ISSN: 1443-9506
• Electronic ISSN: 1444-2892
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 26
• Issue: Supplement 2
• Pages: S342-S343
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hlc.2017.06.695
• Keywords: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine, Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine,
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/1128733