Title : Enhancing recovery: Quality of life changes measured through SF-12 in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation in a Colombian specialized center
Abstract:
Background: Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of disability worldwide, and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs play a crucial role in improving physical capacity, risk factor control, and overall patient well-being. However, evidence on short-term changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during early phases of CR in Latin American populations remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured CR program on HRQoL using the SF-12 Health Survey in adult patients with cardiovascular disease in Bogotá, Colombia
Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post intervention study was conducted with 41 adult patients enrolled in a Phase II multidisciplinary CR program at Los Cobos Medical Center. HRQoL was assessed at baseline and at completion of the program using the Spanish-validated version of the SF-12, generating Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. The intervention included supervised aerobic training, resistance exercises, patient education, and lifestyle counseling delivered by an interdisciplinary team. Paired statistical analysis was performed to compare pre- and post-intervention SF-12 scores.
Results: Patients demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in HRQoL. The PCS increased by 17.9 points (+29.4%) and the MCS increased by 25.7 points (+41.2%), both with p <0.001. These findings indicate a very low probability that the results occurred by chance. Enhancements were particularly notable in physical functioning, vitality, and general health perceptions.
Conclusion: This quasi-experimental study provides early evidence that participation in a structured cardiac rehabilitation program contributes to improved health-related quality of life in Colombian patients with cardiovascular disease. Despite the modest sample size, findings highlight the potential impact of multidisciplinary CR in our setting and support the need for expanded program enrollment and longer follow-up. Future analysis with the complete sample (n≈200) is expected to strengthen statistical power and provide more robust conclusions, reinforcing the role of CR as an essential component of secondary prevention in Latin America
