Background: It is estimated over 50% of patients entering cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are over the age of 65 years. Approximately one third of individuals over the age of 65 years experience pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee and approximately 80% of individuals over the age of 70 years have pain related to degenerative joint disease.
Objective: To determine the relationship of entry visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores < 6 compared to VAS pain scores < 6 on clinical variables and completion rates of CR.
Methods: Retrospective analysis of 453 patients (VAS < 6, n = 339; VAS > 6, n = 114). Data analyzed included pre-VAS, pre- and post-program total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides (TG), body mass index (BMI), metabolic equivalents (METs), and completion rates. Completion was defined as <= 6 weeks of CR with complete outcomes. Analysis was performed using the t test.
Results: Participants with VAS < 6 had 77% completion rate compared to 23% for those with VAS > 6 (P = .03).
Improvements in Clinical Variables
Significant improvements in all clinical variables occurred within each group. There were no significant differences between groups in clinical outcomes. Participants with enrollment VAS > 6 as compared to those with VAS < 6 had significantly higher rates of CR noncompletion. Patients with VAS > 6 who successfully completed CR achieved statistically significant improvements in lipid profile, BMI, and exercise.
Conclusion: Individuals with VAS > 6 are at risk for CR noncompletion and should be encouraged and supported to complete CR as cardiovascular benefits comparable to individuals with low VAS were achieved when these patients completed the program.