Effect of the Management Tool for Daily Life Performance on Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: A Randomized...

Cardiovascular diseases cause psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. Symptoms of depression have a major effect on patients and worsen prognosis as a result of reduced quality of life and decreased levels of physical activity. Because cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has physical, mental, and secondary preventative effects, it is necessary to evaluate the psychological factors of patients and to provide patients with psychological support based on the results. The management tool for daily life performance (MTDLP) was developed in 2006 by the Japanese Association of Occupational Therapists. Since then, its effectiveness for patients with cerebrovascular diseases and bone fractures has been verified. However, no randomized controlled trial has been conducted on the effectiveness of interventions using MTDLP on patients with cardiovascular diseases.

We examined the effectiveness of intervention using MTDLP on patients undergoing outpatient CR. Thirty-six patients who scored at least 48 on the self-rating depression scale (SDS) were included in the study. Eighteen patients were allocated to both the CR and MTDLP groups. The SDS, Barthel index, Frenchay Activities Index (FAI), and Life-Space Assessment were evaluated as outcome measures.

The CR group (n=14) showed significantly improved post-intervention scores on the SDS (P=0.007). Furthermore, the MTDLP group (n=11) showed significantly improved post-intervention scores on the SDS (P=0.010) and FAI (P=0.003).

CR improves depression, whereas additional intervention using MTDLP improves not only depression but also various daily activities. Consequently, intervention using MTDLP in CR appears to be effective.