Utility of Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation for Older Adults

Center-based cardiac rehabilitation is an evidence-based secondary prevention intervention comprising exercise training, education, and counseling for behavior change in patients with cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, these programs are often financially and logistically prohibitive and thus underused. Home-based cardiac rehabilitation is an alternative that may better enable participation of older adults. This review highlights conceptual benefits and considerations of home-based cardiac rehabilitation. Additional research is required about the efficacy of home-based cardiac rehabilitation in relation to these challenges as well as low socioeconomic status among senior adults, and effective care of those living in rural areas.