Both phase III and Phase IV cardiac rehab programs can be a handful to manage at times as numbers can get up towards 15-20 ppl each class. Many programs have slightly different approaches based around key principles such as an instructor led warm-up and cool-down sequence that tends to sandwich the conditioning (individual) aspect of the circuit. This middle chunk of exercise is where we tend to work our way through an interval format, that of a more challenging exertion including both large rhythmic movements such as sit-to-stands, step-ups, cycling and shuttle walks and less exertional smaller movements like lifting light weights, for example some bicep curls or some lateral raises. Some halls are not the biggest which is a challenge when you have some patients walking the length of a hall up and down and others hovering around lifting light weights - it can become quite "busy". As well as this, many programs use sheets of paper to show as a form of demonstration for the Active Recovery exercises and this can sometimes lead to big delays in starting the exercise and another busy area as people might queue to see the paper card! Personally I have experienced this many times and it takes instructors to be on top of this promptly and have time to demonstrate on a whim.
Is there a better way?
An alternative option - a projector or large screen is required but many centres / programs have access to these.... A video playing on loop of some Active Recovery exercises, labelled appropriately that patients can gather around and follow based on their own prescription.
This example covers some basics. These videos can be set to loop for the entirety of an exercise circuit and can be played before a circuit starts whilst patients are waiting for their nurse triage / observations to be completed. This way there is a clearer understanding of what is required and a set area for Active Recovery to be completed. I am excited to give this a try at a program soon.
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