Journal of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Open Access

Cardiac rehabilitation; Personalized exercise prescription; Functional capacity; Exercise adherence; Individualized training; Cardiovascular health; Patient-centered care; Physical activity; Program customization; Health outcomes

Introduction

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary intervention designed to improve cardiovascular health following acute cardiac events such as myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or percutaneous coronary interventions. Exercise training is a core component of CR, traditionally delivered through standardized protocols [1-5]. However, such generalized approaches often fail to account for individual variations in physical fitness, comorbidities, preferences, and motivational levels, potentially limiting patient engagement and outcome effectiveness. In response to these limitations, personalized exercise prescription (PEP) has emerged as a targeted strategy, where exercise intensity, modality, and duration are tailored to the patient’s clinical profile, baseline functional capacity, and personal goals. This approach is grounded in patient-centered care principles and is supported by physiological assessments such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) or the six-minute walk test (6MWT). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of PEP on functional capacity and adherence in patients enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program, using both objective performance metrics and attendance records. The hypothesis was that personalized exercise interventions would lead to greater improvements in physical function and higher adherence rates compared to conventional, standardized CR protocols [6-10].

Discussion

The findings of this study affirm the positive influence of personalized exercise prescription on both functional capacity and program adherence among participants undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. Patients receiving PEP demonstrated statistically significant improvements in peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), 6MWT distance, and metabolic equivalents (METs) compared to those following a standard exercise protocol. These gains suggest that tailored exercise programming effectively challenges the cardiovascular system while remaining within the safe thresholds determined for each patient. Notably, adherence rates were substantially higher in the PEP group, with participants citing enhanced motivation, a sense of ownership over their rehabilitation process, and better alignment with their personal fitness goals as key factors contributing to consistent attendance. The integration of patient preferences, such as walking over cycling or incorporating resistance training into aerobic routines, was repeatedly highlighted in post-intervention feedback as a major strength of the program. Moreover, individualized goal-setting and real-time progress tracking further motivated participants and allowed for timely modifications based on performance and feedback. The psychological benefits, including increased confidence, reduced anxiety, and improved mood, were also more pronounced in the personalized group, reinforcing the holistic value of this approach. While the benefits are compelling, the implementation of PEP does require additional resources, including qualified personnel to conduct initial assessments, more time for individualized planning, and potentially advanced monitoring tools. However, from a systems-level perspective, the long-term benefits—such as reduced hospital readmissions, better cardiovascular outcomes, and improved quality of life—may outweigh these initial investments. Importantly, this study also emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in CR, involving physicians, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and psychologists to design and deliver optimal personalized care.

Conclusion

Personalized exercise prescription significantly enhances functional capacity and adherence in cardiac rehabilitation compared to conventional exercise programming. By tailoring the rehabilitation experience to individual needs, preferences, and clinical conditions, PEP fosters greater engagement, improved physical performance, and better overall outcomes. This patient-centered approach aligns with modern principles of precision medicine and value-based care, offering a scalable and effective strategy to maximize the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation. While implementation may require additional resources, the clinical and psychological advantages underscore the value of investing in personalized interventions. As cardiac rehabilitation continues to evolve, integrating personalization into routine practice can help bridge gaps in participation, optimize patient outcomes, and ensure that rehabilitation services remain responsive to the diverse needs of cardiovascular patients.