Effects of a cardiac rehabilitation program on anthropometric and functional parameters: an observational pre-post study

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary intervention designed to improve functional capacity and quality of life in patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, its impact on anthropometric and functional parameters remains an important area of study. This study evaluates the effects of a cardiac rehabilitation program on body mass index, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, heart rate, energy expenditure measured in METs, and NYHA functional classification. METHODS: An observational pre-post study without a control group was conducted with 287 patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease who completed a cardiac rehabilitation program. Anthropometric and functional variables were measured before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis included paired-sample t-tests and the Wilcoxon test for NYHA classification, with a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Significant reductions were observed in BMI (pre: 27.79 ± 4.31 kg/m²; post: 27.11 ± 4.09 kg/m²; p < 0.001) and abdominal circumference (pre: 100.38 ± 11.16 cm; post: 97.33 ± 12.28 cm; p < 0.001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased (p < 0.001). An increase in energy expenditure measured in METs was found (pre: 7.89 ± 2.68; post: 10.52 ± 2.63; p < 0.001), as well as in maximum heart rate. Additionally, NYHA functional classification improved (Z = -9.356, p < 0.001) with a reduction in the proportion of patients in classes III and II and an increase in class I. CONCLUSION: The cardiac rehabilitation program resulted in significant improvements in body composition, blood pressure, functional capacity, and NYHA classification. These findings support the importance of cardiac rehabilitation as an effective strategy in managing patients with cardiovascular diseases. Further strategies should be implemented to improve adherence and assess the long-term impact of the intervention.