Factors Influencing the Impact of Depressive Symptoms on Physical Functional Capacity After Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to determine (1) if depressive symptoms in the year following completion of cardiac rehabilitation impact physical functional capacity and (2) if exercise, perceived benefits and barriers, self-efficacy, and social support moderate this relationship.

Design This longitudinal correlational secondary data analysis included 379 cardiovascular rehabilitation patients.

Methods Participants completed measures of depression and potential moderating variables at baseline, 2 months, 6 months, and 12 months and 6-minute work test at baseline and 12 months and wore heart rate monitors to measure exercise for 12 months.

Findings Poorer physical functional capacity was predicted by depressed mood score. This relationship was moderated by the percentage of time exercising in target heart rate zone and family support of exercise, but not by perceived benefits and barriers or self-efficacy for exercise.

Conclusions Depressive symptoms negatively impact physical functional capacity, and this relationship is moderated by family support and the percentage of time exercising in target heart rate zone.