Exercise intensity during rehabilitation classes: Pulmonary, cardiac and heart failure. How does it compare to maximum capacity?

Introduction: The aim of rehabilitation is to improve exercise capacity & is commonly delivered in supervised classes. Exercise training is prescribed using a percentage of peak capacity. Our aims were to measure exercise activity completed during a rehabilitation class in 3 chronic diseases, as compared to maximum capacity, & to explore opportunities to combine classes. Methods: We measured the amount & intensity of exercise completed by patients attending pulmonary (PR), cardiac (CR) & heart failure (HFR) rehabilitation. During a 1hour exercise class, exercise activity was recorded using the sensewear monitor. Patients had a range of diagnoses. All classes followed a similar format (aerobic & resistance exercise). Results were compared to maximal exercise capacity from the ISWT at baseline. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups for baseline age, BMI or ISWT distance. Table1 outlines the outcomes [mean (SD)] measured. PR patients achieved 71% (2.5METS), CR achieved 55% (2.2METS) and HFR achieved 50% (2METS) of the maximum METS achieved on the baseline ISWT (PR:3.5METS, CR:4METS, HFR:4METS). Conclusions: The 3 groups were similar in terms of exercise performed during a 1hour class, supporting the notion of combined exercise in chronic disease. PR patients were working at a higher percentage of their maximum capacity compared to the other 2 groups.