Adherence to Exercise and Functional Rehabilitation Programs in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases: Barriers and...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is vital for cardiovascular disease (CVD) management, reducing mortality and improving quality of life.
• Suboptimal adherence to CR leads to poorer patient outcomes, increased rehospitalization, and higher healthcare costs.
• Significant gaps exist in understanding sex- and gender-related differences affecting CR referral, participation, and completion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review adherence patterns in exercise-based CR for CVD patients.
• To specifically analyze sex- and gender-related disparities in CR engagement.
• To identify barriers to CR adherence and explore strategies for improvement.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review synthesizing existing literature on CR adherence.
• The review focuses on evidence related to sex- and gender-specific differences in CR.
• It examines biological, psychological, and social factors influencing adherence.

Main Results:

• Adherence to CR varies significantly, with many patients not starting, completing, or maintaining programs.
• Sex and gender influence referral rates, participation levels, and completion success in CR.
• Barriers to adherence are multifactorial, including biological, psychological, and social determinants.

Conclusions:

• Improving CR adherence is crucial for optimizing CVD patient outcomes.
• Addressing sex- and gender-related differences is essential for equitable and effective CR delivery.
• A gender-aware framework incorporating technology-enabled and multidisciplinary approaches can enhance CR adherence and clinical practice.