Study reveals potential Risk Factors that Limit Physical Activity in OHCA Survivors

Among survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), various potential risk factors can hinder individuals from achieving the recommended levels of physical activity. Recent study examined the level of physical activity among out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors at 6 months and explored potential risk factors associated with a low level of physical activity. The study was a post-hoc analysis of the international multicentre Targeted Hypothermia versus Targeted Normothermia after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (TTM2) trial.

Participant Analysis

At the 6-month follow-ups, 807 of 939 (86%) OHCA survivors answered two questions on self-reported physical activity. Based on these responses, the participants were categorized into three groups: low, moderate, and high level of physical activity. One third (34%) of the OHCA survivors reported a low, 44% a moderate, and 22% a high level of physical activity.

Risk Factor Assessment

Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for a low level of physical activity. In the final multivariable model, obesity (OR=1.75, 95% CI 1.10-2.77, p=0.018), mobility problems (OR=1.73, 95% CI 1.06-2.84, p=0.029), and cognitive impairment (OR=1.78, 95% CI 1.13-2.82, p=0.013) were significantly associated with a low level of physical activity.

Implications of Findings

The study findings indicate that a substantial proportion of OHCA survivors have insufficient physical activity levels at 6 months. Importantly, those with obesity, mobility problems, and cognitive impairment were at higher risk of having a low level of physical activity. These individuals may benefit from targeted interventions to help them attain the recommended levels of physical activity, which could reduce their risk of further cardiac events.

Key Points

1. The study examined the level of physical activity among out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors at 6 months and explored potential risk factors associated with a low level of physical activity. It was a post-hoc analysis of the international TTM2 trial.

2. At the 6-month follow-ups, 807 of 939 (86%) OHCA survivors answered questions on self-reported physical activity. One-third (34%) reported a low level, 44% a moderate level, and 22% a high level of physical activity.

3. Logistic regression analyses identified three significant risk factors for a low level of physical activity: obesity (OR=1.75), mobility problems (OR=1.73), and cognitive impairment (OR=1.78).

4. The study findings indicate that a substantial proportion of OHCA survivors have insufficient physical activity levels at 6 months.

5. Individuals with obesity, mobility problems, and cognitive impairment were at higher risk of having a low level of physical activity.

6. These high-risk individuals may benefit from targeted interventions to help them attain the recommended levels of physical activity, which could reduce their risk of further cardiac events.

Reference –

K. Heimburg et al. (2024). Low Physical Activity Level In Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors With Obesity, Mobility Problems And Cognitive Impairment: Results From The TTM2 Trial.. *Resuscitation*, 110407 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2024.110407