The Predictors of Physical Activity Participation in Elderly Cardiac Patients

• Author / Creator

  Buijs, David, M

• Background: Exercise adherence is particularly low among elderly patients with low functional capacity.
  
  Purpose: This study was undertaken to assess the relationship between measures of physical function (PF) with physical activity (PA) in elderly cardiac patients.
  Methods: PF was assessed in 93 elderly patients involved in cardiac rehab (78M:15F; age 70 ± 7 years). Measures included the Multidimensional Self-Report Exercise Self-Efficacy, Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey, Late Life Function and Disability Instrument, grip strength, gait speed, timed up and go test and a six minute walk test. PA was assessed using the SWA which provided data on steps/day (STEPS) and time spent at different MET levels (i.e., sedentary [waking time < 1.5 METs, mild [1.5-3.0 METs], moderate [3.0-5.0 METs] and vigorous [>5.0 METs]).
  Results: Patients averaged 5,467 ± 3,508 STEPS while spending 67 ± 43 minutes/day in moderate PA. The best predictor of PA was the 6MWT which only provided a moderate indication of STEPS (r2=0.34; P 60 minutes of moderate PA which is associated with many health benefits.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Six minute walk test
  • Elderly
  • Physical function
  • Timed up and go test
  • Rehabilitation
  • Gait speed
  • Physical activity
  • Grip strength
  • Cardiac
  • Sensewear armband

• Graduation date

  Spring 2013

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3ZK59

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.