Characteristics of Cardiac Rehabilitation for Older Patients in a Japanese Rehabilitation Hospital

Background Japan's aging population faces a rising prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), resulting in an increased demand for specialized cardiac rehabilitation (CR). This study investigated the characteristics of older patients and the current status of CR in Japanese convalescent rehabilitation hospitals. Materials and methods This retrospective cohort study enrolled 107 patients who were transferred to a rehabilitation hospital following acute CVD treatment. The patients were divided into an older group (aged ≥80 years) and a control group (aged <80 years). Clinical characteristics, physical and cognitive function, exercise tolerance, activities of daily living (ADL), health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), and CR components were collected and analyzed. Results Despite shorter aerobic exercise duration (median, 9.8 (IQR, 0.4-19.2) vs. 20.6 (11.7-29.8) min, P < 0.001), the older group demonstrated significant improvements in physical function, ADL, and HR-QoL by discharge. Both groups showed gains in functional independence measures, physical performance, strength, gait speed, and endurance. While the older group started with lower baseline physical performance and required a higher level of care at discharge, their improvements in physical function, exercise tolerance, ADL, and HR-QoL were comparable to those in the control group. Conclusion CR programs for older patients in rehabilitation hospitals, although characterized by relatively short durations of aerobic exercise, may contribute to improved functional outcomes. These results highlight the importance of developing and implementing CR programs for older patients and support their potential for broader application in addressing the needs of Japan's aging population.