Globally, the prevalence of coronary heart disease and heart failure is increasing, with cardiac conditioning showing evidence of health benefits. Unfortunately, participation in rehabilitation after a cardiac event has been shown to be less than 50%. In Kitsap County, there is a need for having convenient locations spread across our geographical region that provide these services. Thusly, Kitsap Physical Therapy and Sports Clinics started this program in 2007. We, as a collective group of clinicians, have a special interest in helping you regain your function, endurance, and energy levels after such events. With 6 convenient locations providing this service, we are easily accessible anywhere in the county.
The Cardiac Conditioning program at Kitsap Physical therapy provides an evaluation, exercise prescription, cardiac risk factor assessment with a determination of key modifiable risk factors, education, and counseling. Our belief system is that of long-term success and therefore we have (two) locations that will provide means and instruction in continuation of care after your cardiac conditioning program is complete.
The program includes:
Evaluation by a physical therapist – our assessment assists to determine baseline cardiovascular conditioning, musculoskeletal impairments that may hinder safe aerobic exercise, and risk factors that warrant education and counseling.
Supervision – Our sessions are always one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant with special interest and knowledge in cardiac conditioning.
Exercise Prescription – Your physical therapist will determine the most appropriate mode of aerobic exercise, intensity of exercise, and duration of exercise. Your session will include monitoring of appropriate vitals (heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and other signs and symptoms).
We will educate you on self-monitoring to insure you have the knowledge for life long wellness after your cardiac conditioning is completed.
Progression – It is our goal to progress not only your aerobic fitness level but your knowledge of exercise, your safety and
comfort in fitness, and your knowledge of associated risk factors.
Frequency – It is recommended that aerobic exercise be completed most days of the week by the American Heart Association. The Cardiac Conditioning program starts with sessions 3 days per week, adjusted if necessary based on your comfort level, your response to exercise, and your growing knowledge and independence.
Education Training – You will be provided with a Heart Manual that will address exercise, nutrition, stress management, smoking cessation, pharmacology, and your current cardiovascular risk assessment. We will review these based on your evaluation.
Long Term Outcomes – Ultimately, the goal of our cardiac conditioning program is to establish a life long plan of exercise. This is a key component to reduced mortality and decrease the risk of reoccurrence. At our Silverdale and Kingston locations, we can transition you to a group cardiac conditioning program or at our other clinics we can provide guidance on community-based options.
What are the results of a Cardiac Conditioning program?
Clinical evidence, Cochrane review literature, and outcomes monitored globally show a significant improvement in:
- Reducing mortality rates after a cardiac event
- An absolute reduction in future risk of additional cardiac events
- Improved well-being and quality of life
- A reduction in the need for future hospitalizations
If you think Cardiac Conditioning might be an option for you, we’d love to have you come in! Contact a therapist below and schedule an appointment today!