Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
Cardiac rehabilitation for elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: a systematic review and
Juan Huang1, Changhong Liu2, Jiaxiang Xie1
1Department of Cardiovascular and Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China.
Insights
This meta-analysis found no significant improvements in health-related quality of life for elderly patients after cardiac rehabilitation (CR) post-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Some evidence suggests potential benefits in functional capacity and adherence to physical activity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves outcomes for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients.
- Specific benefits of CR for elderly CABG patients are not well-defined.
- This study addresses the CR effectiveness in elderly CABG population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
- To synthesize existing evidence on CR interventions in this specific demographic.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, CNKI, Wanfang).
- Inclusion of prospective studies on CR for elderly CABG patients up to February 19, 2025.
- Meta-analysis of outcomes including mortality, hospitalization, HRQoL, and functional capacity.
Main Results:
- Six studies with 621 patients were analyzed; interventions ranged from 6-12 weeks.
- No significant improvements were found in physical or mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL) components.
- Individual studies suggested potential benefits in specific functional domains and physical activity adherence.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence indicates no statistically significant improvement in HRQoL for elderly CABG patients post-CR.
- Potential benefits in functional capacity and physical activity adherence warrant further investigation.
- Individualized CR programs are recommended, acknowledging existing evidence gaps.
Background:
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been shown to improve outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); however, its specific effects on elderly CABG patients remain unclear. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the benefits of CR for elderly patients undergoing CABG.
Methods:
A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data databases for prospective studies on CR interventions in elderly CABG patients, from study inception through February 19, 2025. Two independent researchers screened articles that met the inclusion criteria. Key outcomes included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, all-cause hospitalization, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and functional capacity. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software.
Results:
Six studies involving 621 patients were included. Interventions lasted between 6 and 12 weeks, with follow-up durations ranging from 6 weeks to 6 months. None of the studies reported data on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, or all-cause hospitalization. Meta-analysis of HRQoL showed no significant improvements in either the physical component summary (WMD: 5.92 [-0.26, 12.1], p = 0.08) or the mental component summary (WMD: 5.92 [-0.14, 1.80], p = 0.28). However, individual studies suggested potential benefits of CR in specific functional domains.
Conclusion:
This meta-analysis found no statistically significant improvements in the physical or mental health components of HRQoL following CR in elderly CABG patients, based on limited short-term evidence. Some studies indicated potential benefits in functional capacity and physical activity adherence. Clinicians should consider individualized CR programs while acknowledging the existing evidence gaps.
Systematic Review Registration:
PROSPERO CRD420251017085.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
01:20Exercise 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...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care