Key result
Female cardiac patients expended similar average total METs as men but consistently expended more energy on concentrated domestic responsibilities early in recovery.
Observational (n=80)
Gender roles influence the type of physical activity during cardiac recovery, with women assuming concentrated domestic activity early on that may pose complication risks.
May warrant caution on concentrated domestic tasks early in female cardiac recovery; leaves open effects on complications.
Fifty-four male and twenty-six female married cardiac patients were studied for five months post-hospital discharge. Participants completed activity diaries for three days at 5, 10, 15, and 20 weeks. Reported activities were converted to METs. Patients increased activity across the five-month study period. Patients also tended to engage in higher levels of activity in the morning hours. Men and women did not differ in average total METs expended. Comparisons for specific activities indicated that women consistently expended more energy on domestic responsibilities, such as cleaning and laundry. Men engaged more in repairs, yardwork and carrying, but these activities were performed sporadically and involved low METs requirements. The concentrated domestic activity assumed by women early in recovery may pose a risk of complications.
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Jenson et al. (2003) conducted an observational in Cardiac disease (n=80). Female sex vs. Male sex was evaluated on Average total METs expended and specific activity energy expenditure. Female cardiac patients expended similar average total METs as men but consistently expended more energy on concentrated domestic responsibilities early in recovery.
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