Supportive Training After Cardiac Rehabilitation Including Virtual Engagement

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · Nov 20, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to help people maintain their physical activity after completing cardiac rehabilitation (CR), which is a program designed to improve heart health. Many patients find it challenging to continue exercising once the program ends, and this trial aims to determine if virtual coaching and social support can make a difference. By focusing on key factors that influence behavior, the researchers hope to see if this support helps people stay active, as measured by their step counts and other health indicators like blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

To be eligible for this trial, participants need to be at least 60 years old and have a history of heart-related issues that required them to complete Phase II cardiac rehabilitation. They should also have attended at least half of their rehabilitation sessions for at least one month. Unfortunately, those with certain medical conditions or cognitive impairments, or those who cannot read or speak English or Spanish, won’t be able to participate. If selected, participants will experience virtual coaching and social support aimed at encouraging regular exercise, which could help improve their overall heart health in the long run.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Study population: We will recruit 286 older adults who are 55 years and older with qualifying diagnoses for cardiac rehabilitation (CR).
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. ≥ 55 years of age
• • 2. History of CVD that qualified patient for CR (myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting, heart failure, valve replacement, etc.)
• • 3. Adherence (\>50% of sessions for ≥1 month) to outpatient Phase II CR and pending completion
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Participation in Phase III CR (optional extended CR after outpatient Phase II CR for those who pay out-of-pocket)
• • 2. Cognitive impairment (per Mini-Cog assessment tool with score 0-2)
• • 3. Lack of English or Spanish proficiency/literacy
• 4. Clinical conditions including:
• • 1. Unstable arrhythmias, aortic stenosis, thrombophlebitis, dissecting aneurysm or symptomatic anemia
• • 2. Active infection
• • 3. Uncontrolled hypertension: resting systolic \>180 mmHg, diastolic \>100 mmHg
• • 4. Decompensated heart failure, NYHA Class III-IV
• • 5. Current unstable angina
• • 6. 2nd or 3rd degree heart block or exercise induced arrhythmias