A study to assess effectiveness of structured cardiac rehabilitation program on exercise capacity quality of life and self care behaviour among cardiac patients in SGRD hospital vallah Amritsar

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (CRP) encompasses a multifaceted approach, encompassing a range of crucial components. The overarching goal of cardiovascular rehabilitation is to mitigate, arrest, or even reverse the progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVD); thereby reducing the likelihood of future cardiac events. This comprehensive process, characterized by a well-coordinated sequence of interventions, assumes a pivotal role in enhancing the physical, psychological, and social well-being of individuals who have previously grappled with chronic or post-acute cardiovascular ailments. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of structured cardiac rehabilitation program on exercise capacity, quality of life and self-care behaviour among cardiac patients. newlineMaterial and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of structured cardiac rehabilitation program on exercise capacity, quality of life and self-care behaviour among cardiac patients. After getting the Research and Ethical clearance from the institutional research and ethical committee, total 210 cardiac patients with 105 in each group through purposive sampling were enrolled. The experimental group received structured cardiac rehabilitation program. The control group received routine teaching. Data were collected at baseline, 6th week and at 12th week after the recruitment by using the 6-minute walk test, WHOQOL and self-structured self-care behaviour scale respectively. Data was statistically analyzed by using Mann Whitney test, Z- test, chi square and spearman s rank correlation test. newlineResults: The results showed that as compared with control group the exercise capacity, in terms of SBP (4.31), DBP (2.91), SPO2(4.58), HR (2.40), and distance (m) (7.93) and the overall quality of life (8.21) including physical health (7.72), psychological health (7.76), social relationships (2.11), environmental health (5.87) improved statistically significant in follow up II of experimental group(plt0.001). Median of self-care behavior score significantly increased from baseline (30) to follow-up I (35) and to follow-up II (39) in experimental group. Correlation revealed significant positive correlation of SBP with DBP(r=0.71), HR with SBP(R=0.34) and DBP (r= 0.38), distance (m), with QOL (r=0.27) and self-care behaviour with quality of life(r=0.354) in the experimental group. newlineConclusion: The structured cardiac rehabilitation program improved cardiac patients exercise capacity, quality of life and self-care behaviour. This research contributes valuable insights into the potential benefits of structured cardiac rehabilitation program in improving the overall well-being of cardiac patients. It has implications for healthcare professionals and policymakers in designing and implementing effective cardiac rehabilitation programs. However, this transformative potential will only be fully realized through concerted efforts to foster patient adherence, thereby ensuring that CRPs serve as a cornerstone of comprehensive cardiovascular care. newline newline