[Prescription and Utilization of Sports Therapy Programs following Cardiac Rehabilitation 2006-2013].

PURPOSE: Physical exercise interventions are well accepted and widely used in cardiac rehabilitation programs. To ensure long-lasting effects on physical fitness and the maintenance of work ability a subsequent transfer to rehabilitation sport programs following cardiac rehabilitation is intended in a timely manner. The aim of the present study is to evaluate prescription and utilization rates of rehabilitation sport programs following cardiac rehabilitation.
METHODS: The present paper analyzes referral rates and the actual utilization of those programs in patients who had a cardiac rehabilitation in the years 2006-2013 using insurance data of the German pension fund.
RESULTS: Overall, reductions in the prescription of rehabilitation sport programs can be observed. In 2013 55.7% (m) and 62.6% (w) of patients received a prescription for rehabilitation sport programs following cardiac rehabilitation. In contrast to declining prescription rates from 64.2 to 55.7% (m) and 68.0 to 62.6% (w) an increase in sports participation between 3-7% can be observed.
CONCLUSION: Overall, participation rates between 9.7% and 22.5% (2012) seem not sufficient to promote long-term physical activity behavior change. Next to our evaluation, determinants and barriers for program participation should be investigated. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.