Key result
Exercise-based cardiac rehab improves cardiopulmonary fitness and well-being, despite a low ~1% overall participation rate.
Why the study?
This study aimed to systematically review exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programs implemented in South Korea since their inclusion in the National Health Insurance System in 2017.
Does exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation improve cardiopulmonary fitness and psychological well-being in patients with cardiac disease in South Korea?
Systematic Review (n=444)
Does exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation improve cardiopulmonary fitness and psychological well-being in patients with cardiac disease in South Korea?
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programs in South Korea, including novel delivery models and high-intensity interval training, are safe and effective for improving cardiopulmonary and psychological outcomes, though overall participation remains low.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Low participation despite benefits warrants targeted uptake strategies in South Korea; extends cardiac rehabilitation evidence to East Asian populations.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to systematically review exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs implemented in South Korea since their inclusion in the National Health Insurance System in 2017. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using international and Korean databases for studies published after January 2017. The inclusion criterion was exercise-based CR intervention in patients with cardiac disease in South Korea. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies met our inclusion criteria. Most CR programs are hospital-based, whereas some incorporate home-based, aquatic, or forest environments. The exercise prescriptions followed the FITT (frequency, intensity, time, and type) principle and often included aerobic and high-intensity interval training. The reported outcomes included improvements in cardiopulmonary fitness, physical activity, and psychological well-being. Despite their clinical effectiveness, participation in CR programs remains low in Korea owing to accessibility and institutional limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise-based CR programs in Korea demonstrated clinical benefits and diversified delivery models. Further efforts are required to enhance accessibility and promote wider adoption through policy and infrastructure development.
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Ha et al. (2025) conducted a systematic review in Cardiac disease (n=444). Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation vs. Conventional care or moderate-intensity continuous training was evaluated on Cardiopulmonary fitness, physical activity, and psychological well-being. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programs in South Korea demonstrated clinical benefits in cardiopulmonary fitness and psychological well-being, though overall participation remains low at 0.9%.
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