Prevalence of musculoskeletal and balance disorders in patients enrolled in phase II cardiac rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal, neurological, and balance problems in patients enrolled in early outpatient (phase II) cardiac rehabilitation.


METHODS
Data were assessed retrospectively for 284 consecutive patients who attended the phase II Mayo Clinic Cardiac Rehabilitation program from April 2005 to August 2006. All participants completed a questionnaire that identified the presence of musculoskeletal pain, history of falls, joint replacements, osteoporosis, neurological disorders, and difficulties in performing activities of daily living. Balance assessment was evaluated using the single leg stance and the tandem gait tests.


RESULTS
Of the total study population (mean age, 62.1 +/- 12.3 years), 25% reported musculoskeletal pain. A significantly higher prevalence of pain was noted in women than men (37% vs 20%, P = .004) and in those > 65 years than those < or = 65 years (35% vs 17%, P = .001). Back (29%), knee (17%), and hip (8%) pain were the most common symptoms, in order of decreasing frequency. Pain was worse with any activity in 32% of participants while 16% of participants had worsening at night. An abnormality in balance was present in 58% of the study participants and was significantly more common in women (71%) and those > 65 years (83%). Falls or gait instability or both were reported by 11% of participants.


CONCLUSIONS
Musculoskeletal and balance limitations are common in persons enrolled in early outpatient cardiac rehabilitation, particularly in women and patients > 65 years. Cardiac rehabilitation programs should screen patients for musculoskeletal limitations and incorporate adaptations for treatment strategies of such patients.
Goel
Kashish
K
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Cardiovascular Health Clinic, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Shen
Jennifer
J
Wolter
Anne D
AD
Beck
Kathryn M
KM
Leth
Shawn E
SE
Thomas
Randal J
RJ
Squires
Ray W
RW
Perez-Terzic
Carmen M
CM
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement; D001416:Back Pain; D000072038:Cardiac Rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010024:Osteoporosis; D010045:Outpatients; D010146:Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D004856:Postural Balance; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology