Quantity and Quality of Daily Physical Activity in Older Cardiac Patients

Sedentary behaviour and the level of daily physical activity are of particular concern in cardiac patients, as diminished activity may be a strong predictor of mortality in this population.

In this study we assessed sedentary behaviour and the quantity and quality of daily physical activity among older cardiac patients who were at different stages of recovery following a cardiac event.

We used a cross-sectional design and a convenience sampling technique.

Participants were recruited into three groups: an Acute group (n = 32), a Rehab group (n = 32), and a Maintain group (n = 29). Continuous minute by minute physical activity was assessed using the SenseWear Mini Armband, which was worn throughout each day for four consecutive days and provided data on steps/day, as well as time spent sedentary (waking time ≤ 1.5 METs), or in light (1.6-2.9 METs) or moderate-vigorous (≥ 3.0 METs) physical activity.

While the Rehab group accumulated more daily activity than the other two groups, they remained sedentary for approximately 70% of waking time. The quantity and quality of the activity in the Maintain group was comparable to that observed in the Acute group.

Our observation of consistently elevated sedentary time regardless of whether the participant was entering, completing or were long removed from a formal cardiac rehabilitation program reinforces the need for cardiac rehabilitation nurse educators to both monitor routine daily activity and encourage coronary artery disease patients to adapt a lifestyle that is focused on reducing sedentary behaviour by incorporating planned exercise training and unstructured physical activity throughout the day.