Registered Nurse University of Ottawa Heart Institute Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Background: Although the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are well established, enrollment remains a challenge—particularly for individuals with complex conditions or limited mobility. These patients face numerous barriers to participate in a CR program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a virtual chair-based class was successfully launched within our CR program. Building on the success of that initiative, the same class format was adapted and implemented as an onsite Functional Chair Exercise Class. The program aims to improve functional capacity, enhance overall quality of life, and foster social engagement.
METHODS AND RESULTS: An in-person, group-based chair exercise class was created tailored for patients with mobility limitations, complex medical conditions, or those who prefer a chair-based exercise format. We evaluated functional capacity (measured by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test), quality of life (QoL) (ladder-style scale) and motivation and confidence to exercise (10 points Likert scale). Held once weekly for 45 minutes, these classes incorporate a combination of seated and standing exercises focusing on aerobic, strength, and balance exercises. Launched as a feasibility pilot program, we are now seeking patients’ perspectives including their overall satisfaction, any barriers to participation and any suggestions for improvement. Feedback will be sought through both focus groups (to reach patients who already completed the program) and through anonymous, simple surveys at the end of the program. Data from the TUG tests, quality of life assessments, and focus group discussions will be analyzed to inform potential adjustments to the program's structure, content, and/or delivery, ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of our patient population.
Conclusion: Reaching new patient populations with best-practice cardiovascular rehabilitation is an important consideration for programs. Adapting our program infrastructure and methods of care delivery to meet patient needs has resulted in a new class reaching the frail patient population. Seeking patient input will help further improve the model, ensuring we are addressing barriers and meeting patient’s needs.
