Key result
Preserved baseline balance and lower-limb strength in older HF patients linked to functional improvement after CR.
Why the study?
This study aimed to clarify the physical characteristics of older adults with heart failure and low physical function based on functional improvement following cardiac rehabilitation.
Are baseline physical characteristics (balance and lower-limb strength) associated with functional improvement following inpatient cardiac rehabilitation in older adults with heart failure and low physical function?
Observational (n=257)
Are baseline physical characteristics (balance and lower-limb strength) associated with functional improvement following inpatient cardiac rehabilitation in older adults with heart failure and low physical function?
In older adults with heart failure and low physical function, preserved baseline balance and lower-limb strength predict greater functional recovery following inpatient cardiac rehabilitation.
May stratify older HF patients for inpatient rehab expectations; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective confirmation before practice change.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to clarify the physical characteristics of older adults with heart failure and low physical function based on the functional improvement following cardiac rehabilitation. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 257 older adults (≥60 years) with heart failure and low physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] ≤ 6) who underwent cardiac rehabilitation while in hospital. Modified Poisson regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between functional improvement (defined as SPPB ≥9 at discharge) and baseline SPPB subitem scores (balance, walking speed, and five times sit-to-stand), along with other clinical variables. RESULTS: < .01) at admission were significantly associated with functional improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Preserved balance and lower-limb strength at admission were associated with greater functional improvement following inpatient cardiac rehabilitation. Among older adults with heart failure and low SPPB scores, preserved baseline balance and lower-limb strength are associated with greater functional recovery. These findings underscore the importance of initiating early rehabilitation focused on balance and strength training in older adults with heart failure.
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Tamura et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Heart failure and low physical function (n=257). Inpatient cardiac rehabilitation was evaluated on Functional improvement (defined as SPPB ≥9 at discharge) (p=<.01). Preserved baseline balance and lower-limb strength in older adults with heart failure were significantly associated with functional improvement following inpatient cardiac rehabilitation (P<.01).
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