Key result
Target heart rate-guided exercise prescription achieves high adherence and higher heart rates than perceived exertion.
Why the study?
It is unclear whether target heart rate ranges can be implemented in cardiac rehabilitation programs predominantly using ratings of perceived exertion and what impact this has on exercise capacity.
Does target heart rate-based exercise prescription improve functional exercise capacity and exercise heart rate compared to ratings of perceived exertion in cardiac rehabilitation patients?
RCT (n=48)
Open-label
1:1:1 sequential and random fashion, blocked by thoracic surgery
No
Does target heart rate-based exercise prescription improve functional exercise capacity and exercise heart rate compared to ratings of perceived exertion in cardiac rehabilitation patients?
Target heart rate-based exercise prescription is feasible in cardiac rehabilitation and leads to higher exercise heart rates compared to perceived exertion, though larger trials are needed to confirm differences in functional capacity.
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Target HR prescription yields higher exercise intensities than RPE with high adherence in CR; extends feasibility to RCT setting but leaves capacity effects open.
Shea et al. (2022) conducted an RCT in Cardiac rehabilitation (n=48). Target heart rate range (THRR) with or without personal heart rate monitor vs. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) of 3-4 on the 10-point modified Borg scale was evaluated on Protocol fidelity and feasibility (adherence to THRR and retention). Target heart rate range-based exercise prescription was successfully implemented in a cardiac rehabilitation program, demonstrating high adherence and resulting in higher exercise heart rates compared to perceived exertion.
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