Rationale:
Adherence to recommended treatment is critical to ensure cardiac rehabilitation produces intended effects.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to assess the possible effects of musculoskeletal pain, completion status and age on the SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) Score.
Methods:
Retrospective data was analyzed on 564 patients (female n = 150; male n = 414) who enrolled in an outpatient CR program. Musculoskeletal pain intensity was graded using the standard visual analogue scale (VAS). Individuals were classified as High Pain if their VAS score was greater than or equal to six; VAS scores less than six were classified as Low Pain. Quality of life was assessed with the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey. Norm-based scoring was applied and data presented as the PCS score. Individuals were included for analysis as a Completer if they were enrolled in CR for greater than 7 weeks. Analysis was performed using the ANOVA for unbalanced design.
Results:
Our data demonstrates that individuals with age >= 65, High Pain VAS scores or Non-Completer status have statistically significant lower SF-36 PCS scores. The effects seen with regard to pain level, age and completion status were independent and without interaction between these variables.
Conclusion:
Our study demonstrates that High Pain VAS scores are an indicator of decreased physical functioning as assessed by the SF-36 PCS score. In addition, low physical function may impact adherence to CR. The VAS may be a useful screening tool to determine which individuals may fail to complete CR due to limited physical functioning or painful musculoskeletal conditions. Additional research is needed to determine if an intervention addressing pain and physical function would improve participation in CR.