Physiother Theory Pract. 2025 Oct 29:1-8. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2025.2581133. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study aimed to clarify the physical characteristics of older adults with heart failure and low physical function based on the functional improvement following cardiac rehabilitation.
METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 257 older adults (≥60 years) with heart failure and low physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] ≤ 6) who underwent cardiac rehabilitation while in hospital. Modified Poisson regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between functional improvement (defined as SPPB ≥9 at discharge) and baseline SPPB subitem scores (balance, walking speed, and five times sit-to-stand), along with other clinical variables.
RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 85.2 (SD = 7.5) years, and the mean SPPB score at admission was 3.7 (SD = 1.9). A total of 76 (29.6%) participants showed functional improvement. Regression analysis revealed that higher SPPB subitem scores of balance (relative risk [RR]: 1.34 [95% CI: 1.15-1.57], p < .01) and five-times sit-to-stand (RR: 1.47 [95% CI 1.24-1.73], p < .01) at admission were significantly associated with functional improvement.
CONCLUSIONS: Preserved balance and lower-limb strength at admission were associated with greater functional improvement following inpatient cardiac rehabilitation. Among older adults with heart failure and low SPPB scores, preserved baseline balance and lower-limb strength are associated with greater functional recovery. These findings underscore the importance of initiating early rehabilitation focused on balance and strength training in older adults with heart failure.
PMID:41162836 | DOI:10.1080/09593985.2025.2581133