Exploring Physical Activity Levels 1 Year After Completing Phase 2 Cardiac Rehabilitation by Sex

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a secondary prevention program that is associated with a decrease all-cause mortality. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for disease, and long-term physical activity (PA) adherence is an essential component of CR.  The purpose of this study is to assess self-reported PA adherence 1 year after CR completion. We hypothesize that individuals would not meet nationally recommended Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) 1-year post-CR, but males would meet PAG at higher rates than females.

Using a prospective, cross-sectional design, 172 CR graduates completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form telephone survey on self-reported PA and sitting time. Meeting PAG was defined as ≥150 minutes of moderate PA, ≥75 minutes of vigorous PA, or any combination of ≥150 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA.

The cohort (n = 172; 38 [19%] female; mean age 67 ± 11 y, range 35-90) attended 31 ± 8 (of 36) CR sessions and were surveyed 13.6 (2.7) months post-CR (76.1% response rate). Participants reported an average of 97 ± 125 min/week of moderate to vigorous PA, with 32% (n = 55, 80% male) meeting PAG and 5.3 ± 3.3 hr/day of sitting. There were no sex differences in how PAG was met or in minutes per day, days per week, or sitting time.

Only 32% of CR graduates met PAG 1-year post-CR, with both sexes failing to achieve national guidelines. Significance/Implications: Providers should recognize that patients often fail to meet PAG after CR, undermining CR's long-term goals. Continued interventions targeting both sexes are needed to promote sustained long-term PA to support disease prevention.