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Review
. 2025;28(2):85-91.
doi: 10.1298/ptr.R0034. Epub 2025 Jul 19.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise in Korea

Yun-Cheol Ha  1 , Nan-Soo Kim  2
Affiliations
Review

Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise in Korea

Yun-Cheol Ha et al. Phys Ther Res. 2025.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to systematically review exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs implemented in South Korea since their inclusion in the National Health Insurance System in 2017.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using international and Korean databases for studies published after January 2017. The inclusion criterion was exercise-based CR intervention in patients with cardiac disease in South Korea. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale.

Results: A total of 11 studies met our inclusion criteria. Most CR programs are hospital-based, whereas some incorporate home-based, aquatic, or forest environments. The exercise prescriptions followed the FITT (frequency, intensity, time, and type) principle and often included aerobic and high-intensity interval training. The reported outcomes included improvements in cardiopulmonary fitness, physical activity, and psychological well-being. Despite their clinical effectiveness, participation in CR programs remains low in Korea owing to accessibility and institutional limitations.

Conclusions: Exercise-based CR programs in Korea demonstrated clinical benefits and diversified delivery models. Further efforts are required to enhance accessibility and promote wider adoption through policy and infrastructure development.

Keywords: Cardiac rehabilitation; Exercise; South Korea.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.. PRISMA flow diagram.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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