| Background and aims. Little is known about the impact cardiac rehabilitation (CR) exercise programs have on daily functional abilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of CR on elderly patients' ability to perform common household tasks.;Results. Post-CR the global PFP-10 score increased significantly (59 + 14 vs. 52 +/- 17; p = 0.003). Prior to CR 7 patients scored above the threshold for independent living, as defined by a global score ≥ 57 units. Post-CR, 12 patients scored above the threshold.;Conclusions. A 20 session exercise-based CR program significantly enhanced the physical function of elderly patients. More importantly, 55% of patients scored above the threshold for independence post-CR, suggesting that CR may enhance elderly patients' ability to live independently.;Methods and materials. Twenty-two post myocardial infarction patients (10 female, 12 male; age 75 +/- 6.3 years) were studied. Patients were tested prior to entering and again after completion of a CR program (20 combined aerobic + strength training sessions over 8 to 10 weeks; 45 min/day). Physical function was assessed using the Continuous Scale - Physical Function Performance 10 test battery (PFP-10). |
