Functional Capacity and Exercise Tolerance in Residential Care Home Residents with Treated Arterial Hypertension and...

Background: Older adults commonly experience a progressive decline in functional capacity and exercise tolerance, particularly among residents of residential care homes. Advanced age is associated with a higher prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and arterial hypertension, both of which further reduce physical activity levels. Evidence indicates that regular, structured physical activity can improve physical functioning and cardiovascular parameters. This study aimed to assess functional capacity and exercise tolerance in residential care home residents with treated arterial hypertension and CHD compared with individuals without cardiovascular disease. Methods: The study included 74 men aged 65-80 years residing in residential care homes. Participants were divided into two groups: Group I consisted of 44 men without diagnosed cardiovascular disease, and Group II included 30 men with diagnosed CHD and arterial hypertension. Functional capacity was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and exercise tolerance was evaluated using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Results: The mean SPPB score was 8.7 ± 2.1 points in Group I and 5.2 ± 2.5 points in Group II (p < 0.001). In the 6 MWT, participants in Group I covered a mean distance of 312.7 ± 89.4 m, whereas those in Group II covered 168.4 ± 84.4 m (p < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis confirmed that group allocation remained an independent predictor of both SPPB and 6MWT outcomes after adjusting for age and somatic parameters (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Residential care home residents with CHD and arterial hypertension demonstrate significantly lower functional capacity and exercise tolerance compared with individuals without cardiovascular disease. Both groups achieved results markedly below national reference values for the Polish older adult population. These findings highlight the need for targeted physical activity programs in residential care homes, with particular emphasis on individuals with cardiovascular disease.