Quantity and Quality of Daily Physical Activity in Older Cardiac Patients.

Background: Sedentary behaviour and the level of daily physical activity are of particular concern in cardiac patients, as diminished activity may be a strong predictor of mortality in this population.

Purpose: In this study we assessed sedentary behaviour and the quantity and quality of daily physical activity among older cardiac patients who were at different stages of recovery following a cardiac event.

Design: We used a cross-sectional design and a convenience sampling technique.

Method: Participants were recruited into three groups: an Acute group (n = 32), a Rehab group (n = 32), and a Maintain group (n = 29). Continuous minute by minute physical activity was assessed using the SenseWear Mini Armband, which was worn throughout each day for four consecutive days and provided data on steps/day, as well as time spent sedentary (waking time ≤ 1.5 METs), or in light (1.6-2.9 METs) or moderate-vigorous (≥ 3.0 METs) physical activity.

Findings: While the Rehab group accumulated more daily activity than the other two groups, they remained sedentary for approximately 70% of waking time. The quantity and quality of the activity in the Maintain group was comparable to that observed in the Acute group.

Conclusions: Our observation of consistently elevated sedentary time regardless of whether the participant was entering, completing or were long removed from a formal cardiac rehabilitation program reinforces the need for cardiac rehabilitation nurse educators to both monitor routine daily activity and encourage coronary artery disease patients to adapt a lifestyle that is focused on reducing sedentary behaviour by incorporating planned exercise training and unstructured physical activity throughout the day.