| Background: Exercise adherence is particularly low among elderly patients with low functional capacity.;Methods: PF was assessed in 93 elderly patients involved in cardiac rehab (78M:15F; age 70 ± 7 years). Measures included the Multidimensional Self-Report Exercise Self-Efficacy, Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey, Late Life Function and Disability Instrument, grip strength, gait speed, timed up and go test and a six minute walk test. PA was assessed using the SWA which provided data on steps/day (STEPS) and time spent at different MET levels (i.e., sedentary [waking time ≤ 1.5 METs, mild [1.5-3.0 METs], moderate [3.0-5.0 METs] and vigorous [>5.0 METs]).;Results: Patients averaged 5,467 ± 3,508 STEPS while spending 67 ± 43 minutes/day in moderate PA. The best predictor of PA was the 6MWT which only provided a moderate indication of STEPS (r 2=0.34; P<0.05).;Conclusion: Many elderly cardiac patients may be considered sedentary using STEPS. However, many still accumulated ≥ 60 minutes of moderate PA which is associated with many health benefits.;Purpose: This study was undertaken to assess the relationship between measures of physical function (PF) with physical activity (PA) in elderly cardiac patients. |
