Classification(s): Cardiac Rehabilitation
Introduction: A large number of elders are being referred for cardiac rehabilitation; this cohort is associated with a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to (a) assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain complaints in patients participating in a phase II cardiac rehabilitation program, (b) identify most frequently identified symptoms, and (c) assess the impact of exercise on these symptoms.
Design: Cross sectional study.
Methods: Musculoskeletal screening of patients at the pre and post cardiac rehabilitation. Pain was measured using 0-10 visual analog scale.
Results: A total of 20 patients referred for phase II cardiac rehabilitation were screened. The mean age of the patients was 66.2 years. The most commonly reported musculoskeletal complaint was low back pain (40%) followed by right knee pain (35%) and left shoulder pain (25%). The average intensity of pain reported by patients on a visual analog scale was 2/10. Forty percent of the patients reported increase in pain with exercise whereas 30% experienced a decline. Between 25% and 30% of patients reported associated neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness associated with the pain. Tylenol was the most commonly used medication for pain. Patients mostly contacted their primary medical doctor for their pain problems.
Conclusions: A significant number of patients reported musculoskeletal pain symptoms as well as associated neurological symptoms. A large number of patients also reported increased pain with exercise. The results of the study demonstrate that musculoskeletal symptoms are a cause of major morbidity in this population. The presence of associated neurological symptoms indicates other possible associated pathology in patients such as peripheral neuropathy and or radiculopathy. Research is needed to better understand the relationship between the type of exercise and pain as pain might impede progress of patient in cardiac rehabilitation.