Abstract
Key Questions
1. What is the relationship between frailty and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) completion?
Frailty-related deficits significantly influence CR completion, with both traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular deficits playing distinct roles.
2. How do traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular deficits affect CR completion?
Traditional cardiovascular deficits (e.g., biomarkers) are associated with higher odds of completion, while non-traditional measures (e.g., quality of life) predict non-completion.
3. What factors contribute most to CR non-completion?
Non-traditional deficits, including lower quality-of-life scores and higher body composition deficits, are strong predictors of program non-completion.
4. How can CR retention rates be improved?
Interventions targeting quality of life, including mental health support and personalized strategies for individuals with higher frailty-related deficits, could improve retention.
Abstract
Background
Despite the high burden of frailty among cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participants, it is unclear which frailty-related deficits are related to program completion.
Methods
Data from a single-center CR program were analyzed. A frailty index (FI) was constructed based on 25 health deficits. Logistic regression assessed the odds of CR completion relative to these deficits.
Results
Of 3,756 individuals, 16 frailty-related deficits were significantly associated with CR completion. Traditional deficits increased completion odds, while non-traditional measures predicted non-completion. Higher food frequency questionnaire scores had the strongest positive association, whereas recent health decline had the strongest negative association.
Conclusion
Frailty-related deficits impact CR completion. Targeted interventions focusing on non-traditional measures, such as quality-of-life improvements, are recommended to enhance program retention.
