Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 29, 2025

A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
Exercise Prescription and Progression Practices among US Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinics
Joesi Krieger1, Nicholas McCann1, Markaela Bluhm1
1School of Health Sciences, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA.
Background:
Little is known about exercise prescription practices in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand how initial exercise is prescribed and how exercise intensity is progressed among cardiac patients enrolled in United States CR programs.
Methods:
A 22-question survey was sent out to US CR clinics.
Results:
Ninety-three clinics responded to the survey. RPE was the most commonly reported exercise intensity indicator used for prescribing exercise, followed by resting HR + 20-30 bpm. Exercise progression practices were also based on patient sustained RPE values.
Conclusions:
Exercise prescription practice has become reliant on subjective indicators of exercise intensity. This may limit patient outcomes, such as improvement in functional measures.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management

