Clin-STAR Corner: Rehabilitation for Older Adults With Heart Failure

Abstract

Heart failure is a major contributor to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs, especially among older adults. Despite a large body of evidence supporting the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation, less than 30% of eligible Medicare beneficiaries participate in cardiac rehabilitation. Thus, it is essential to examine alternatives, such as physical rehabilitation, a rehabilitation approach that focuses on physical activity and function. We systematically identified and summarized four key articles published between 2022 and 2024 that highlight innovations in rehabilitation with the potential of increasing utilization. These articles emphasize three areas of opportunity: (1) home-based telerehabilitation; (2) research focused on underrepresented and underserved populations; and (3) economic evaluations. Additional research on alternative modes of cardiac or physical rehabilitation, strategies to address heart failure-related health inequities, and implementation studies incorporating cost-effectiveness are needed to support increased utilization of cardiac and physical rehabilitation.