Contrasting Occupational Forms: Effects on Performance and Affect in Patients Undergoing Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract

This study investigates whether patients undergoing Phase II cardiac rehabilitation perform differently during materials-based, imagery-based, and rote exercise-based occupational forms. Numbers of lower extremity movements, heart rate changes, duration of self-determined recovery period, and affective response served as dependent variables. In a repeated measures design, 15 individuals with cardiac dysfunction were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 counterbalanced orders of conditions. Results indicated that participants performed significantly more repetitions during the materials-based condition (a ball kicking game) than when imagining participating in the game or when performing a rote exercise. The additional repetitions were achieved without undue cardiac stress. No differences were found among the conditions for the other variables. Occupational therapists working in cardiac rehabilitation may want to consider the positive effects of an occupational approach when reconditioning those with cardiac dysfunction.