Cardiac rehabilitation: potential for ergonomic interventions with special reference to return to work and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Abstract

This paper briefly reviews the contemporary cardiac rehabilitation process and highlights its limitations. It argues that, in order to improve return-to-work chances, cardiac rehabilitation should focus on simulating actual work conditions. The role of ergonomics in the cardiac rehabilitation process is also outlined. Finally, the current impediments to early return to work are identified and corrective actions are suggested.