TY - JOUR A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Rabe, Sophie A1 - Zahn, Thomas A1 - Neuwirth, Julia A1 - Eichler, Sarah A1 - Haubold, Kathrin A1 - Wachholz, Anne A1 - Reibis, Rona Katharina A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - User Interest in Digital Health Technologies to Encourage Physical Activity BT - Results of a Survey in Students and Staff of a German University JF - JMIR. Mhealth & Uhealth N2 - Background: Although the benefits for health of physical activity (PA) are well documented, the majority of the population is unable to implement present recommendations into daily routine. Mobile health (mHealth) apps could help increase the level of PA. However, this is contingent on the interest of potential users. Objective: The aim of this study was the explorative, nuanced determination of the interest in mHealth apps with respect to PA among students and staff of a university. Methods: We conducted a Web-based survey from June to July 2015 in which students and employees from the University of Potsdam were asked about their activity level, interest in mHealth fitness apps, chronic diseases, and sociodemographic parameters. Results: A total of 1217 students (67.30%, 819/1217; female; 26.0 years [SD 4.9]) and 485 employees (67.5%, 327/485; female; 42.7 years [SD 11.7]) participated in the survey. The recommendation for PA (3 times per week) was not met by 70.1% (340/485) of employees and 52.67% (641/1217) of students. Within these groups, 53.2% (341/641 students) and 44.2% (150/340 employees)—independent of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and level of education or professional qualification—indicated an interest in mHealth fitness apps. Conclusions: Even in a younger, highly educated population, the majority of respondents reported an insufficient level of PA. About half of them indicated their interest in training support. This suggests that the use of personalized mobile fitness apps may become increasingly significant for a positive change of lifestyle. KW - physical activity KW - telemedicine KW - primary prevention KW - healthy lifestyle Y1 - 2017 U6 - https://doi.org/10.2196/mhealth.7192 VL - 5 IS - 4 PB - JMIR Publications CY - Toronto ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ringwald, Juergen A1 - Lehmann, Marina A1 - Niemeyer, Nicole A1 - Seifert, Isabel A1 - Daubmann, Anne A1 - Wegscheider, Karl A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Luxembourg, Beate A1 - Eckstein, Reinhold A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - Travel habits and complications in patients treated with vitamin K antagonists: A cross sectional analysis JF - Travel medicine and infectious disease N2 - Background: Travel-related conditions have impact on the quality of oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) with vitamin K-antagonists. No predictors for travel activity and for travel-associated haemorrhage or thromboembolic complications of patients on OAT are known. Methods: A standardised questionnaire was sent to 2500 patients on long-term OAT in Austria, Switzerland and Germany. 997 questionnaires were received (responder rate 39.9%). Ordinal or logistic regression models with travel activity before and after onset of OAT or travel-associated haemorrhages and thromboembolic complications as outcome measures were applied. Results: 43.4% changed travel habits since onset of OAT with 24.9% and 18.5% reporting decreased or increased travel activity, respectively. Long-distance worldwide before OAT or having suffered from thromboembolic complications was associated with reduced travel activity. Increased travel activity was associated with more intensive travel experience, increased duration of OAT, higher education, or performing patient self-management (PSM). Travel-associated haemorrhages or thromboennbolic complications were reported by 6.5% and 0.9% of the patients, respectively. Former thromboennbolic complications, former bleedings and PSM were significant predictors of travel-associated complications. Conclusions: OAT also increases travel intensity. Specific medical advice prior travelling to prevent complications should be given especially to patients with former bleedings or thromboennbolic complications and to those performing PSM. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. KW - Vitamin k-antagonists KW - Oral anticoagulation KW - Travel KW - Patient self-management Y1 - 2014 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmaid.2014.02.006 SN - 1477-8939 SN - 1873-0442 VL - 12 IS - 3 SP - 258 EP - 263 PB - Elsevier CY - Oxford ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Baritello, Omar A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Sündermann, Simon A1 - Niebauer, Josef A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - The Pandora's Box of frailty assessments: Which is the best for clinical purposes in TAVI patients? A critical review JF - Journal of Clinical Medicine N2 - Frailty assessment is recommended before elective transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) to determine post-interventional prognosis. Several studies have investigated frailty in TAVI-patients using numerous assessments; however, it remains unclear which is the most appropriate tool for clinical practice. Therefore, we evaluate which frailty assessment is mainly used and meaningful for ≤30-day and ≥1-year prognosis in TAVI patients. Randomized controlled or observational studies (prospective/retrospective) investigating all-cause mortality in older (≥70 years) TAVI patients were identified (PubMed; May 2020). In total, 79 studies investigating frailty with 49 different assessments were included. As single markers of frailty, mostly gait speed (23 studies) and serum albumin (16 studies) were used. Higher risk of 1-year mortality was predicted by slower gait speed (highest Hazard Ratios (HR): 14.71; 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.50–33.30) and lower serum albumin level (highest HR: 3.12; 95% CI 1.80–5.42). Composite indices (five items; seven studies) were associated with 30-day (highest Odds Ratio (OR): 15.30; 95% CI 2.71–86.10) and 1-year mortality (highest OR: 2.75; 95% CI 1.55–4.87). In conclusion, single markers of frailty, in particular gait speed, were widely used to predict 1-year mortality. Composite indices were appropriate, as well as a comprehensive assessment of frailty. View Full-Text KW - frailty tool KW - TAVI KW - older patients KW - elderly KW - cardiology KW - mortality Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10194506 SN - 2077-0383 VL - 10 SP - 1 EP - 17 PB - MDPI CY - Basel, Schweiz ET - 19 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Reibis, Rona Katharina A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Abreu, Ana A1 - Corra, Ugo A1 - Davos, Constantinos A1 - Döhner, Wolfram A1 - Doherty, Patrick A1 - Frederix, Ines A1 - Hansen, Dominique A1 - Iliou, Marie Christine A1 - Vigorito, Carlo A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - The importance of return to work BT - How to achieve optimal reintegration in ACS patients JF - European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary & secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology N2 - The vocational reintegration of patients after an acute coronary syndrome is a crucial step towards complete convalescence from the social as well as the individual point of view. Return to work rates are determined by medical parameters such as left ventricular function, residual ischaemia and heart rhythm stability, as well as by occupational requirement profile such as blue or white collar work, night shifts and the ability to commute (which is, in part, determined by physical fitness). Psychosocial factors including depression, self-perceived health situation and pre-existing cognitive impairment determine the reintegration rate to a significant extent. Patients at risk of poor vocational outcomes should be identified in the early period of rehabilitation to avoid a reintegration failure and to prevent socio-professional exclusion with adverse psychological and financial consequences. A comprehensive healthcare pathway of acute coronary syndrome patients is initiated by cardiac rehabilitation, which includes specific algorithms and assessment tools for risk stratification and occupational restitution. As the first in its kind, this review addresses determinants and legal aspects of reintegration of patients experiencing an acute coronary syndrome, and offers practical advice on reintegration strategies particularly for vulnerable patients. It presents different approaches and scientific findings in the European countries and serves as a recommendation for action. KW - Return to work KW - acute coronary syndrome KW - predictors KW - pension insurance Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487319839263 SN - 2047-4873 SN - 2047-4881 VL - 26 IS - 13 SP - 1358 EP - 1369 PB - Sage Publ. CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Eichler, Sarah A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Rabe, Sophie A1 - Mueller, Steffen A1 - Mayer, Frank A1 - Wochatz, Monique A1 - Hadzic, Miralem A1 - John, Michael A1 - Wegscheider, Karl A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - The Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation as a Supplement to Rehabilitation in Patients After Total Knee or Hip Replacement BT - Randomized Controlled Trial JF - JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies N2 - Background: Telerehabilitation can contribute to the maintenance of successful rehabilitation regardless of location and time. The aim of this study was to investigate a specific three-month interactive telerehabilitation routine regarding its effectiveness in assisting patients with physical functionality and with returning to work compared to typical aftercare. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate a specific three-month interactive telerehabilitation with regard to effectiveness in functioning and return to work compared to usual aftercare. Methods: From August 2016 to December 2017, 111 patients (mean 54.9 years old; SD 6.8; 54.3% female) with hip or knee replacement were enrolled in the randomized controlled trial. At discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and after three months, their distance in the 6-minute walk test was assessed as the primary endpoint. Other functional parameters, including health related quality of life, pain, and time to return to work, were secondary endpoints. Results: Patients in the intervention group performed telerehabilitation for an average of 55.0 minutes (SD 9.2) per week. Adherence was high, at over 75%, until the 7th week of the three-month intervention phase. Almost all the patients and therapists used the communication options. Both the intervention group (average difference 88.3 m; SD 57.7; P=.95) and the control group (average difference 79.6 m; SD 48.7; P=.95) increased their distance in the 6-minute-walk-test. Improvements in other functional parameters, as well as in quality of life and pain, were achieved in both groups. The higher proportion of working patients in the intervention group (64.6%; P=.01) versus the control group (46.2%) is of note. Conclusions: The effect of the investigated telerehabilitation therapy in patients following knee or hip replacement was equivalent to the usual aftercare in terms of functional testing, quality of life, and pain. Since a significantly higher return-to-work rate could be achieved, this therapy might be a promising supplement to established aftercare. KW - telerehabilitation KW - home-based KW - total hip replacement KW - total knee replacement KW - exercise therapy KW - aftercare KW - rehabilitation Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.2196/14236 SN - 2369-2529 VL - 6 IS - 2 PB - jmir rehab CY - Toronto ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kather, Fritz A1 - Hadzic, Miralem A1 - Hehle, Teresa A1 - Eichler, Sarah A1 - Klein, Julia A1 - Völler, Heinz A1 - Salzwedel, Annett T1 - Test-retest reliability of the Mini Nutritional Assessment- Short Form (MNA-SF) in older patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation JF - Journal of geriatric cardiology KW - Cardiac rehabilitation KW - Malnutrition KW - Octogenarians KW - Test-retest KW - reliability Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2020.09.007 SN - 1671-5411 VL - 17 IS - 9 SP - 574 EP - 579 PB - English China Online Journals, ECOJ CY - Windsor [u.a.] ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Dobberke, Jeanette A1 - Baritello, Omar A1 - Hadzic, Miralem A1 - Völler, Heinz A1 - Eichler, Sarah A1 - Salzwedel, Annett T1 - Test-retest reliability of center of pressure measures for postural control assessment in older cardiac patients JF - Gait & posture : official journal of Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society (GCMAS) and European Society of Movement Analysis in Adults and Children (ESMAC) N2 - Background Elderly patients are a growing population in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). As postural control declines with age, assessment of impaired balance is important in older CR patients in order to predict fall risk and to initiate counteracting steps. Functional balance tests are subjective and lack adequate sensitivity to small differences, and are further subject to ceiling effects. A quantitative approach to measure postural control on a continuous scale is therefore desirable. Force plates are already used for this purpose in other clinical contexts, therefore could be a promising tool also for older CR patients. However, in this population the reliability of the assessment is not fully known. Research question Analysis of test-retest reliability of center of pressure (CoP) measures for the assessment of postural control using a force plate in older CR patients. Methods 156 CR patients (> 75 years) were enrolled. CoP measures (path length (PL), mean velocity (MV), and 95% confidence ellipse area (95CEA)) were analyzed twice with an interval of two days in between (bipedal narrow stance, eyes open (EO) and closed (EC), three trials for each condition, 30 s per trial), using a force plate. For test-retest reliability estimation absolute differences (& UDelta;: T0-T1), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals, standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were calculated. Results Under EO condition ICC were excellent for PL and MV (0.95) and good for 95CEA (0.88) with & UDelta; of 10.1 cm (PL), 0.3 cm/sec (MV) and 1.5 cm(2 )(95CEA) respectively. Under EC condition ICC were excellent (> 0.95) for all variables with larger & UDelta; (PL: 21.7 cm; MV: 0.7 cm/sec; 95CEA: 2.4 cm(2)) Significance In older CR patients, the assessment of CoP measures using a force plate shows good to excellent test retest reliability. KW - Cardiac rehabilitation KW - Older patients KW - Postural control KW - Test-retest KW - reliability KW - Force plate Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.12.011 SN - 0966-6362 SN - 1879-2219 VL - 92 SP - 359 EP - 363 PB - Elsevier Science CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Rieck, Angelika A1 - Reibis, Rona Katharina A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - Routine initial exercise stress testing for treatment stratification in comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation JF - International journal of rehabilitation research N2 - There is evidence of substantial benefit of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for patients with low exercise capacity at admission. Nevertheless, some patients are not able to perform an initial exercise stress test (EST). We aimed to describe this group using data of 1094 consecutive patients after a cardiac event (71 +/- 7 years, 78% men) enrolled in nine centres for inpatient CR. We analysed sociodemographic and clinical variables (e.g. cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities, complications at admission), amount of therapy (e.g. exercise training, nursing care) and the results of the initial and the final 6-min walking test (6MWT) with respect to the application of an EST. Fifteen per cent of patients did not undergo an EST (non-EST group). In multivariable analysis, the probability of obtaining an EST was higher for men [odds ratio (OR) 1.89, P=0.01], a 6MWT (per 10 m, OR 1.07, P<0.01) and lower for patients with diabetes mellitus (OR 0.48, P<0.01), NYHA-class III/IV (OR 0.27, P<0.01), osteoarthritis (OR 0.39, P<0.01) and a longer hospital stay (per 5 days, OR 0.87, P=0.02). The non-EST group received fewer therapy units of exercise training, but more units of nursing care and physiotherapy than the EST group. However, there were no significant differences between both groups in the increase of the 6MWT during CR (123 vs. 108 m, P=0.122). The present study confirms the feasibility of an EST at the start of CR as an indicator of disease severity. Nevertheless, patients without EST benefit from CR even if exercising less. Thus, there is a justified need for individualized, comprehensive and interdisciplinary CR. KW - disease severity KW - exercise stress test KW - multimodal cardiac rehabilitation KW - rehabilitation outcome KW - therapy volume Y1 - 2015 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1097/MRR.0000000000000133 SN - 0342-5282 SN - 1473-5660 VL - 38 IS - 4 SP - 344 EP - 349 PB - Lippincott Williams & Wilkins CY - Philadelphia ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Reibis, Rona Katharina A1 - Kühl, Uwe A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Rasawieh, Mortesa A1 - Eichler, Sarah A1 - Wegscheider, Karl A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - Return to work in heart failure patients with suspected viral myocarditis JF - SAGE Open Medicine N2 - Background: Endomyocardial biopsy is considered as the gold standard in patients with suspected myocarditis. We aimed to evaluate the impact of bioptic findings on prediction of successful return to work. Methods: In 1153 patients (48.9 ± 12.4 years, 66.2% male), who were hospitalized due to symptoms of left heart failure between 2005 and 2012, an endomyocardial biopsy was performed. Routine clinical and laboratory data, sociodemographic parameters, and noninvasive and invasive cardiac variables including endomyocardial biopsy were registered. Data were linked with return to work data from the German statutory pension insurance program and analyzed by Cox regression. Results: A total of 220 patients had a complete data set of hospital and insurance information. Three quarters of patients were virus-positive (54.2% parvovirus B19, other or mixed infection 16.7%). Mean invasive left ventricular ejection fraction was 47.1% ± 18.6% (left ventricular ejection fraction <45% in 46.3%). Return to work was achieved after a mean interval of 168.8 ± 347.7 days in 220 patients (after 6, 12, and 24 months in 61.3%, 72.2%, and 76.4%). In multivariate regression analysis, only age (per 10 years, hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.46; p = 0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (per 5% increase, hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.12; p = 0.002) were associated with increased, elevated work intensity (heavy vs light, congestive heart failure, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.34–0.99; p < 0.049) with decreased probability of return to work. None of the endomyocardial biopsy–derived parameters was significantly associated with return to work in the total group as well as in the subgroup of patients with biopsy-proven myocarditis. Conclusion: Added to established predictors, bioptic data demonstrated no additional impact for return to work probability. Thus, socio-medical evaluation of patients with suspected myocarditis furthermore remains an individually oriented process based primarily on clinical and functional parameters. KW - Return to work KW - rehabilitation KW - endomyocardial biopsy KW - prediction KW - myocarditis Y1 - 2017 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1177/2050312117744978 SN - 2050-3121 VL - 5 PB - Sage CY - Thousand Oaks, Calif. ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Heidler, Maria-Dorothea A1 - Haubold, Kathrin A1 - Schikora, Martin A1 - Reibis, Rona Katharina A1 - Wegscheider, Karl A1 - Jöbgens, Michael A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - Prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in employable patients after acute coronary event in cardiac rehabilitation JF - Vascular Health and Risk Management N2 - Introduction: Adequate cognitive function in patients is a prerequisite for successful implementation of patient education and lifestyle coping in comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. Although the association between cardiovascular diseases and cognitive impairments (CIs) is well known, the prevalence particularly of mild CI in CR and the characteristics of affected patients have been insufficiently investigated so far. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 496 patients (54.5 ± 6.2 years, 79.8% men) with coronary artery disease following an acute coronary event (ACE) were analyzed. Patients were enrolled within 14 days of discharge from the hospital in a 3-week inpatient CR program. Patients were tested for CI using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) upon admission to and discharge from CR. Additionally, sociodemographic, clinical, and physiological variables were documented. The data were analyzed descriptively and in a multivariate stepwise backward elimination regression model with respect to CI. Results: At admission to CR, the CI (MoCA score < 26) was determined in 182 patients (36.7%). Significant differences between CI and no CI groups were identified, and CI group was associated with high prevalence of smoking (65.9 vs 56.7%, P = 0.046), heavy (physically demanding) workloads (26.4 vs 17.8%, P < 0.001), sick leave longer than 1 month prior to CR (28.6 vs 18.5%, P = 0.026), reduced exercise capacity (102.5 vs 118.8 W, P = 0.006), and a shorter 6-min walking distance (401.7 vs 421.3 m, P = 0.021) compared to no CI group. The age- and education-adjusted model showed positive associations with CI only for sick leave more than 1 month prior to ACE (odds ratio [OR] 1.673, 95% confidence interval 1.07–2.79; P = 0.03) and heavy workloads (OR 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.42–3.36; P < 0.01). Conclusion: The prevalence of CI in CR was considerably high, affecting more than one-third of cardiac patients. Besides age and education level, CI was associated with heavy workloads and a longer sick leave before ACE. KW - cardiac rehabilitation KW - cognitive impairment KW - prevalence KW - acute coronary event KW - patient education Y1 - 2017 U6 - https://doi.org/10.2147/VHRM.S121086 SN - 1176-6344 SN - 1178-2048 VL - 13 SP - 55 EP - 60 PB - Dove Medical Press Ltd CY - Albany, Auckland ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zoch-Lesniak, Beate A1 - Dobberke, Jeanette A1 - Schlitt, Axel A1 - Bongarth, Christa A1 - Glatz, Johannes A1 - Spörl-Dönch, Sieglinde A1 - Koran, Iryna A1 - Völler, Heinz A1 - Salzwedel, Annett T1 - Performance Measures for Short-Term Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients of Working Age BT - Results of the Prospective Observational Multicenter Registry OutCaRe JF - Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation N2 - Objective: To determine immediate performance measures for short-term, multicomponent cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in clinical routine in patients of working age, taking into account cardiovascular risk factors, physical performance, social medicine, and subjective health parameters and to explore the underlying dimensionality. Design: Prospective observational multicenter register study in 12 rehabilitation centers throughout Germany. Setting: Comprehensive 3-week CR. KW - Cardiac rehabilitation KW - Outcome measures KW - Cardiovascular diseases Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arrct.2020.100043 SN - 2590-1095 VL - 2 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Reibis, Rona Katharina A1 - Hadzic, Miralem A1 - Buhlert, Hermann A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - Patients’ expectations of returning to work, co-morbid disorders and work capacity at discharge from cardiac rehabilitation JF - Vascular Health and Risk Management N2 - Objective: We aimed to characterize patients after an acute cardiac event regarding their negative expectations around returning to work and the impact on work capacity upon discharge from cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Methods: We analyzed routine data of 884 patients (52±7 years, 76% men) who attended 3 weeks of inpatient CR after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or cardiac surgery between October 2013 and March 2015. The primary outcome was their status determining their capacity to work (fit vs unfit) at discharge from CR. Further, sociodemographic data (eg, age, sex, and education level), diagnoses, functional data (eg, exercise stress test and 6-min walking test [6MWT]), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and self-assessment of the occupational prognosis (negative expectations and/or unemployment, Würzburger screening) at admission to CR were considered. Results: A negative occupational prognosis was detected in 384 patients (43%). Out of these, 368 (96%) expected not to return to work after CR and/or were unemployed before CR at 29% (n=113). Affected patients showed a reduced exercise capacity (bicycle stress test: 100 W vs 118 W, P<0.01; 6MWT: 380 m vs 421 m, P<0.01) and were more likely to receive a depression diagnosis (12% vs 3%, P<0.01), as well as higher levels on the HADS. At discharge from CR, 21% of this group (n=81) were fit for work (vs 35% of patients with a normal occupational prognosis (n=175, P<0.01)). Sick leave before the cardiac event (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.6, P<0.01), negative occupational expectations (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3–0.7, P<0.01) and depression (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.8, P=0.01) reduced the likelihood of achieving work capacity upon discharge. In contrast, higher exercise capacity was positively associated. Conclusion: Patients with a negative occupational prognosis often revealed a reduced physical performance and suffered from a high psychosocial burden. In addition, patients’ occupational expectations were a predictor of work capacity at discharge from CR. Affected patients should be identified at admission to allow for targeted psychosocial care. KW - cardiac rehabilitation KW - return to work KW - work capacity KW - negative expectation KW - occupational prognosis Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.2147/VHRM.S216039 SN - 1176-6344 SN - 1178-2048 VL - 15 SP - 301 EP - 308 PB - Dove Medical Press CY - Albany, Auckland ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Koran, Iryna A1 - Langheim, Eike A1 - Schlitt, Axel A1 - Nothroff, Jörg A1 - Bongarth, Christa A1 - Wrenger, Markus A1 - Sehner, Susanne A1 - Reibis, Rona Katharina A1 - Wegscheider, Karl A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - Patient-reported outcomes predict return to work and health-related quality of life six months after cardiac rehabilitation BT - Results from a German multi-centre registry (OutCaRe) JF - PLoS ONE N2 - Background Multi-component cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is performed to achieve an improved prognosis, superior health-related quality of life (HRQL) and occupational resumption through the management of cardiovascular risk factors, as well as improvement of physical performance and patients’ subjective health. Out of a multitude of variables gathered at CR admission and discharge, we aimed to identify predictors of returning to work (RTW) and HRQL 6 months after CR. Design Prospective observational multi-centre study, enrolment in CR between 05/2017 and 05/2018. Method Besides general data (e.g. age, sex, diagnoses), parameters of risk factor management (e.g. smoking, hypertension), physical performance (e.g. maximum exercise capacity, endurance training load, 6-min walking distance) and patient-reported outcome measures (e.g. depression, anxiety, HRQL, subjective well-being, somatic and mental health, pain, lifestyle change motivation, general self-efficacy, pension desire and self-assessment of the occupational prognosis using several questionnaires) were documented at CR admission and discharge. These variables (at both measurement times and as changes during CR) were analysed using multiple linear regression models regarding their predictive value for RTW status and HRQL (SF-12) six months after CR. Results Out of 1262 patients (54±7 years, 77% men), 864 patients (69%) returned to work. Predictors of failed RTW were primarily the desire to receive pension (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.22–0.50) and negative self-assessed occupational prognosis (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.24–0.48) at CR discharge, acute coronary syndrome (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.47–0.88) and comorbid heart failure (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30–0.87). High educational level, stress at work and physical and mental HRQL were associated with successful RTW. HRQL was determined predominantly by patient-reported outcome measures (e.g. pension desire, self-assessed health prognosis, anxiety, physical/mental HRQL/health, stress, well-being and self-efficacy) rather than by clinical parameters or physical performance. Conclusion Patient-reported outcome measures predominantly influenced return to work and HRQL in patients with heart disease. Therefore, the multi-component CR approach focussing on psychosocial support is crucial for subjective health prognosis and occupational resumption. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0232752 SN - 1932-6203 VL - 15 IS - 5 PB - Plos 1 CY - San Francisco ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Nosper, Manfred A1 - Roehrig, Bernd A1 - Linck-Eleftheriadis, Sigrid A1 - Strandt, Gert A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - Outcome quality of in-patient cardiac rehabilitation in elderly patients - identification of relevant parameters JF - European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary & secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology N2 - Background: Outcome quality management requires the consecutive registration of defined variables. The aim was to identify relevant parameters in order to objectively assess the in-patient rehabilitation outcome. Methods: From February 2009 to June 2010 1253 patients (70.9 +/- 7.0 years, 78.1% men) at 12 rehabilitation clinics were enrolled. Items concerning sociodemographic data, the impairment group (surgery, conservative/interventional treatment), cardiovascular risk factors, structural and functional parameters and subjective health were tested in respect of their measurability, sensitivity to change and their propensity to be influenced by rehabilitation. Results: The majority of patients (61.1%) were referred for rehabilitation after cardiac surgery, 38.9% after conservative or interventional treatment for an acute coronary syndrome. Functionally relevant comorbidities were seen in 49.2% (diabetes mellitus, stroke, peripheral artery disease, chronic obstructive lung disease). In three key areas 13 parameters were identified as being sensitive to change and subject to modification by rehabilitation: cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides), exercise capacity (resting heart rate, maximal exercise capacity, maximal walking distance, heart failure, angina pectoris) and subjective health (IRES-24 (indicators of rehabilitation status): pain, somatic health, psychological well-being and depression as well as anxiety on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Conclusion: The outcome of in-patient rehabilitation in elderly patients can be comprehensively assessed by the identification of appropriate key areas, that is, cardiovascular risk factors, exercise capacity and subjective health. This may well serve as a benchmark for internal and external quality management. KW - Cardiac rehabilitation KW - quality management KW - outcome measures Y1 - 2014 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487312469475 SN - 2047-4873 SN - 2047-4881 VL - 21 IS - 2 SP - 172 EP - 180 PB - Sage Publ. CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Eichler, Sarah A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Harnath, Axel A1 - Butter, Christian A1 - Wegscheider, Karl A1 - Chiorean, Mihai A1 - Völler, Heinz A1 - Reibis, Rona Katharina T1 - Nutrition and mobility predict all-cause mortality in patients 12 months after transcatheter aortic valve implantation JF - Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society. N2 - The aim of the study was to determine pre-interventional predictors for all-cause mortality in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with a 12-month follow-up. From 10/2013 to 07/2015, 344 patients (80.9 +/- 5.0 years, 44.5% male) with an elective TAVI were consecutively enrolled prospectively in a multicentre cohort study. Prior to the intervention, sociodemographic parameters, echocardiographic data and comorbidities were documented. All patients performed a 6-min walk test, Short Form 12 and a Frailty Index (score consisting of activities of daily living, cognition, nutrition and mobility). Peri-interventional complications were documented. Vital status was assessed over telephone 12 months after TAVI. Predictors for all-cause mortality were identified using a multivariate regression model. At discharge, 333 patients were alive (in-hospital mortality 3.2%; n = 11). During a follow-up of 381.0 +/- 41.9 days, 46 patients (13.8%) died. The non-survivors were older (82.3 +/- 5.0 vs. 80.6 +/- 5.1 years; p = 0.035), had a higher number of comorbidities (2.6 +/- 1.3 vs. 2.1 +/- 1.3; p = 0.026) and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (51.0 +/- 13.6 vs. 54.6 +/- 10.6%; p = 0.048). Additionally, more suffered from diabetes mellitus (60.9 vs. 44.6%; p = 0.040). While the global Frailty Index had no predictive power, its individual components, particularly nutrition (OR 0.83 per 1 pt., CI 0.72-0.95; p = 0.006) and mobility (OR 5.12, CI 1.64-16.01; p = 0.005) had a prognostic impact. Likewise, diabetes mellitus (OR 2.18, CI 1.10-4.32; p = 0.026) and EuroSCORE (OR 1.21 per 5%, CI 1.07-1.36; p = 0.002) were associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. Besides EuroSCORE and diabetes mellitus, nutrition status and mobility of patients scheduled for TAVI offer prognostic information for 1-year all-cause mortality and should be advocated in the creation of contemporary TAVI risk scores. KW - TAVI KW - Frailty KW - Mortality KW - Malnutrition KW - Mobility Y1 - 2018 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00392-017-1183-1 SN - 1861-0684 SN - 1861-0692 VL - 107 IS - 4 SP - 304 EP - 311 PB - Springer CY - Heidelberg ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Wegscheider, Karl A1 - Schulz-Behrendt, Claudia A1 - Dörr, Gesine A1 - Reibis, Rona Katharina A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - No impact of an extensive social intervention program on return to work and quality of life after acute cardiac event: a cluster-randomized trial in patients with negative occupational prognosis JF - International archives of occupational and environmental health N2 - Objectives To examine the effectiveness of extensive social therapy intervention during inpatient multi-component cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on return to work and quality of life in patients with low probability of work resumption after an acute cardiac event. Methods Patients after acute cardiac event with negative subjective expectations about return to work or unemployment (n = 354) were included and randomized in clusters of 3-6 study participants. Clusters were randomized for social counseling and therapy led by a social worker, six sessions of 60 min each in 3 weeks, or control group (usual care: individual counseling meeting by request). The return to work (RTW) status and change in quality of life (QoL, short form 12: Physical and Mental Component Summary PCS and MCS) 12 months after discharge from inpatient CR were outcome measures. Results The regression model for RTW showed no impact of the intervention (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.6-2.1, P = 0.79; n = 263). Predictors were unemployment prior to CR as well as higher anxiety values at discharge from CR. Likewise, QoL was not improved by social therapy (linear mixed model: Delta PCS 0.3, 95% CI - 1.9 to 2.5; P = 0.77; n = 177; Delta MCS 0.7, 95% CI - 1.9 to 3.3; P = 0.58; n = 215). Conclusions In comparison to usual care, an intensive program of social support for patients during inpatient cardiac rehabilitation after an acute cardiac event had no additional impact on either the rate of resuming work or quality of life. KW - Social work KW - Cardiac rehabilitation KW - Return to work KW - Quality of life KW - Acute coronary syndrome KW - RCT Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-019-01450-3 SN - 0340-0131 SN - 1432-1246 VL - 92 IS - 8 SP - 1109 EP - 1120 PB - Springer CY - New York ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Eichler, Sarah A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Reibis, Rona A1 - Nothroff, Jörg A1 - Harnath, Axel A1 - Schikora, Martin A1 - Butter, Christian A1 - Wegscheider, Karl A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - Multicomponent cardiac rehabilitation in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation BT - predictors of functional and psychocognitive recovery JF - European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary & secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology N2 - Background: In the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve implantation has become a promising treatment modality for patients with aortic stenosis and a high surgical risk. Little is known about influencing factors of function and quality of life during multicomponent cardiac rehabilitation. Methods: From October 2013 to July 2015, patients with elective transcatheter aortic valve implantation and a subsequent inpatient cardiac rehabilitation were enrolled in the prospective cohort multicentre study. Frailty-Index (including cognition, nutrition, autonomy and mobility), Short Form-12 (SF-12), six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and maximum work load in bicycle ergometry were performed at admission and discharge of cardiac rehabilitation. The relation between patient characteristics and improvements in 6MWD, maximum work load or SF-12 scales were studied univariately and multivariately using regression models. Results: One hundred and thirty-six patients (80.6 +/- 5.0 years, 47.8% male) were enrolled. 6MWD and maximum work load increased by 56.3 +/- 65.3 m (p < 0.001) and 8.0 +/- 14.9 watts (p < 0.001), respectively. An improvement in SF-12 (physical 2.5 +/- 8.7, p = 0.001, mental 3.4 +/- 10.2, p = 0.003) could be observed. In multivariate analysis, age and higher education were significantly associated with a reduced 6MWD, whereas cognition and obesity showed a positive predictive value. Higher cognition, nutrition and autonomy positively influenced the physical scale of SF-12. Additionally, the baseline values of SF-12 had an inverse impact on the change during cardiac rehabilitation. Conclusions: Cardiac rehabilitation can improve functional capacity as well as quality of life and reduce frailty in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. An individually tailored therapy with special consideration of cognition and nutrition is needed to maintain autonomy and empower octogenarians in coping with challenges of everyday life. KW - Cardiac rehabilitation KW - TAVI KW - frailty KW - quality of life KW - exercise capacity Y1 - 2017 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487316679527 SN - 2047-4873 SN - 2047-4881 VL - 24 IS - 3 SP - 257 EP - 264 PB - Sage Publ. CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Reibis, Rona Katharina A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Buhlert, Hermann A1 - Wegscheider, Karl A1 - Eichler, Sarah A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - Impact of training methods and patient characteristics on exercise capacity in patients in cardiovascular rehabilitation JF - European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary & secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology N2 - Aim We aimed to identify patient characteristics and comorbidities that correlate with the initial exercise capacity of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients and to study the significance of patient characteristics, comorbidities and training methods for training achievements and final fitness of CR patients. Methods We studied 557 consecutive patients (51.76.9 years; 87.9% men) admitted to a three-week in-patient CR. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) was performed at discharge. Exercise capacity (watts) at entry, gain in training volume and final physical fitness (assessed by peak O-2 utilization (VO2peak) were analysed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models. Results Mean training intensity was 90.7 +/- 9.7% of maximum heart rate (81% continuous/19% interval training, 64% additional strength training). A total of 12.2 +/- 2.6 bicycle exercise training sessions were performed. Increase of training volume by an average of more than 100% was achieved (difference end/beginning of CR: 784 +/- 623 wattsxmin). In the multivariate model the gain in training volume was significantly associated with smoking, age and exercise capacity at entry of CR. The physical fitness level achieved at discharge from CR as assessed by VO2peak was mainly dependent on age, but also on various factors related to training, namely exercise capacity at entry, increase of training volume and training method. Conclusion CR patients were trained in line with current guidelines with moderate-to-high intensity and reached a considerable increase of their training volume. The physical fitness level achieved at discharge from CR depended on various factors associated with training, which supports the recommendation that CR should be offered to all cardiac patients. KW - Cardiac rehabilitation KW - exercise tests KW - cardiorespiratory fitness KW - multivariate modelling Y1 - 2016 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487315600815 SN - 2047-4873 SN - 2047-4881 VL - 23 SP - 452 EP - 459 PB - Sage Publ. CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Heidler, Maria-Dorothea A1 - Meng, Karin A1 - Schikora, Martin A1 - Wegscheider, Karl A1 - Reibis, Rona Katharina A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - Impact of cognitive performance on disease-related knowledge six months after multi-component rehabilitation in patients after an acute cardiac event JF - European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary & secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology N2 - Background Although associations between cardiovascular diseases and cognitive impairment are well known, the impact of cognitive performance on the success of patient education as a core component of cardiac rehabilitation remains insufficiently investigated so far. Design Prospective observational study in two inpatient cardiac rehabilitation centres between September 2014 and August 2015 with a follow-up six months after cardiac rehabilitation. Method At admission to and discharge from cardiac rehabilitation, the cognitive performance of 401 patients (54.5 ± 6.3 years, 80% men) following an acute coronary syndrome and/or coronary artery bypass graft was tested using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Patients’ disease-related knowledge was determined using a quiz (22 items for medical knowledge and 12 items for healthy lifestyle and behaviour) at both times and at follow-up. The change in knowledge after cardiac rehabilitation was analysed in multivariable regression models. Potentially influencing parameters (e.g. level of education, medication, cardiovascular risk factors, coronary artery bypass graft, comorbidities, exercise capacity) were considered. Results During cardiac rehabilitation, disease-related knowledge was significantly enhanced in both scales. At follow-up, the average level of medical knowledge was significantly reduced, while lifestyle knowledge remained at a stable level. The maintenance of knowledge after cardiac rehabilitation was predominantly predicted by prior knowledge, cognitive performance at discharge from cardiac rehabilitation and, in the case of medical knowledge, by coronary artery bypass graft. Conclusion Patient education in cardiac rehabilitation led to enhanced disease-related knowledge, but the maintenance of this essentially depended on patients’ cognitive performance, especially after coronary artery bypass graft. Therefore, patient education concepts in cardiac rehabilitation should be reconsidered and adjusted as needed. KW - Mild cognitive impairment KW - cardiac rehabilitation KW - patient education KW - coronary artery disease KW - secondary prevention Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487318791609 SN - 2047-4873 SN - 2047-4881 VL - 26 IS - 1 SP - 46 EP - 55 PB - Sage Publ. CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Salzwedel, Annett A1 - Wegscheider, Karl A1 - Herich, Lena A1 - Rieck, Angelika A1 - Strandt, Gert A1 - Völler, Heinz T1 - Impact of clinical and sociodemographic patient characteristics on the outcome of cardiac rehabilitation in older patients JF - Aging clinical and experimental research N2 - Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) seeks to simultaneously improve several outcome parameters related to patient risk factors, exercise capacity and subjective health. A single score, the multiple outcome criterion (MOC), comprised of alterations in 13 outcome variables was used to measure the overall success of CR in an older population. As this success depends on the older patient's characteristics at the time of admission to CR, we attempted to determine the most important influences. Methods The impact of baseline characteristics on the success of CR, measured by MOC, was analysed using a mixed model for 1,220 older patients (70.9 +/- A 7.0 years, 78.3 % men) who enrolled in 12 CR clinics. A multitude of potentially influential baseline patient characteristics was considered including sociodemographic variables, comorbidity, duration of hospital stay, exercise capacity, cardiovascular risk factors, emotional status, and laboratory and echocardiographic data. Results Overall, CR was successful, as indicated by the mean value of the MOC (0.6 +/- A 0.45; min -1.0, max 2.0; positive values denoting improvement, negative ones deterioration). Examples of association with negative MOC values included smoking (MOC -0.15, p < 0.001), female gender (MOC -0.07, p = 0.049), and a longer hospital stay (MOC -0.03, p = 0.03). An example of association with positive MOC value was depression score (MOC 0.06, p = 0.003). Further associations included maximal exercise capacity, blood pressure, heart rate and the rehabilitation centre attended. Conclusion Our results emphasize the necessity to take into consideration baseline characteristics when evaluating the success of CR and setting treatment targets for older patients. KW - Cardiac rehabilitation KW - Composite outcome measure KW - Predictors KW - Rehabilitation success KW - Older patients Y1 - 2015 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-014-0283-2 SN - 1594-0667 SN - 1720-8319 VL - 27 IS - 3 SP - 315 EP - 321 PB - Springer CY - New York ER -