title: Cardiac rehabilitation survey: maintenance of lifestyle changes and perception of program value.
abstract: Graduates from a Phase II cardiac rehabilitation program were surveyed about their maintenance of healthy lifestyle changes from 1 to 4 years after completing the program. Patients were queried about their continued performance of routine aerobic exercise; use of safe exercise principles; adherence to a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet; and surveillance of lipid levels. Results showed that 74% of patient graduates reported exercising aerobically three to four times weekly, and 50% used their pulse rate to guide exercise intensity. The patients were also asked their opinions about the value of the cardiac rehabilitation program; 91% of patients reported an improvement in their quality of life, and 97% felt the program was a good use of insurance dollars. The findings of this study have implications for program evaluation and modification.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Suter
authors.forename: W N
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Suter
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Perkins
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Bona
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Kendrick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome