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Updated: Jan 13, 2026

A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
Examination of functional characteristics related to physical function improvement in older adults with heart failure
Shuntaro Tamura1, Masami Inokuma2, Masaya Hattori2
1Department of Physical Therapy, Ota College of Medical Technology, Ota, Japan.
Purpose:
This study aimed to clarify the physical characteristics of older adults with heart failure and low physical function based on the functional improvement following cardiac rehabilitation.
Methods:
This retrospective observational study included 257 older adults (≥60 years) with heart failure and low physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] ≤ 6) who underwent cardiac rehabilitation while in hospital. Modified Poisson regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between functional improvement (defined as SPPB ≥9 at discharge) and baseline SPPB subitem scores (balance, walking speed, and five times sit-to-stand), along with other clinical variables.
Results:
The mean age of the participants was 85.2 (SD = 7.5) years, and the mean SPPB score at admission was 3.7 (SD = 1.9). A total of 76 (29.6%) participants showed functional improvement. Regression analysis revealed that higher SPPB subitem scores of balance (relative risk [RR]: 1.34 [95% CI: 1.15-1.57], p < .01) and five-times sit-to-stand (RR: 1.47 [95% CI 1.24-1.73], p < .01) at admission were significantly associated with functional improvement.
Conclusions:
Preserved balance and lower-limb strength at admission were associated with greater functional improvement following inpatient cardiac rehabilitation. Among older adults with heart failure and low SPPB scores, preserved baseline balance and lower-limb strength are associated with greater functional recovery. These findings underscore the importance of initiating early rehabilitation focused on balance and strength training in older adults with heart failure.
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