Home-Based Exercise in Older Adults Recently Discharged From the Hospital for Cardiovascular Disease in China Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Exercise is important for fitness and recovery of older adults after hospitalization for treatment of cardiovascular disease. Home-based, nurse-led exercise programs may be beneficial. Objective The aim of this study was to test the effects of a low-intensity, home-based exercise protocol led by an advanced practice nurse on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), physical fitness, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in older adults after hospital discharge with a cardiovascular disease diagnosis. Methods The study was randomized and single blinded. Seventy-seven older adults (75 years old, mean = 80.68 years old) were included; 32 subjects in the intervention and 29 in the control group completed the study. The low-intensity, home-based exercise protocol is composed of 14-type joint exercises and walking for 12 weeks. The main outcome measures were assessments on the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form-36, the Senior Fitness Test, and LVEF at baseline and 12 weeks after hospital discharge. Results After 12 weeks, the intervention group showed significant improvements in HRQOL (physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, and vitality; p < .05) as well as on the Senior Fitness Test (chair stands, arm curls, Timed Up and Go, and 6-minute walk distance; p < .05); there was no significant improvement in LVEF (p = .56). Conclusions The low-intensity, home-based exercise led by an advanced practice nurse was effective in improving HRQOL and physical fitness. Adherence was high, and there were no adverse events related to exercise.