Authors (including presenting author) :
Tsui SY(1),Li SM(1),Cheung WM(1),Yau WT(1),Choi WM(1),Cheung YW(1),Fung YK(1),Hui YH(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department, Tseung Kwan O Hospital,(2)Department of Medicine, Tseung Kwan O Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Maximal inspiratory pressure
Keyword 2: :
Five times sit-to-stand
Keyword 3: :
Six‑minute walk test
Keyword 4: :
Cardiac rehabilitation Program
Introduction :
Exercise intolerance is common among patients with cardiovascular disease and is routinely assessed by six‑minute walk test(6MWT) in phase II cardiac rehabilitation program(CRP). Since 6MWT performance is influenced by multiple factors, identifying modifiable physiological determinants is essential to individualize rehabilitation and optimize outcomes. Beyond cardiovascular factors, respiratory muscle and lower limb weakness are under‑recognized contributors to reduced exercise tolerance. Maximal inspiratory pressure(MIP) which indicates respiratory muscle strength, and five times sit-to-stand(FTSTS) which indicates lower limb strength, are simple, low‑cost assessments that can identify these modifiable impairments and guide rehabilitation plans. However, MIP and FTSTS is not currently a routine CRP assessment in Hong Kong and their contributions to exercise capacity remain unclear.
Objectives :
This cross‑sectional study aimed to determine whether MIP and FTSTS independently predict 6MWT distance in patients attending phase II CRP.
Methodology :
Patients were assessed at the start of phase II CRP in the Medical Day Rehabilitation Centre in Tseung Kwan O Hospital. MIP, FTSTS, and 6MWT distance were measured. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysed relationships and independent predictors of 6MWT distance.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 210 participants were included(mean age 64.37±8.22 years; 76.7% male). Pearson correlation showed a moderate positive association between MIP and 6MWT distance(r=0.329, p< 0.001), and a strong negative association between FTSTS and 6MWT distance(r=–0.618, p< 0.001). Multiple linear regression demonstrated that both MIP(β=3.412, 95% CI 1.552–5.271, p< 0.001) and FTSTS(β=–8.597, 95% CI –11.226 to –5.968, p< 0.001) were independent predictors of 6MWT distance. Age(β=–1.914, p=0.004) and body weight(β=–2.596, p=0.041) also showed significant associations. This study demonstrates that both MIP and FTSTS independently predict exercise capacity in CRP patients. These findings support integrating routine MIP and FTSTS assessment into phase II CRP to guide targeted respiratory muscle training and lower limb strengthening, comprehensively address physiological limitations and optimize functional outcomes.
