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Abstract
BackgroundConventional cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are traditionally based on time-constrained, structured, group-based programs, usually set in hospitals or leisure centers. Uptake for CR remains poor, despite the ongoing evidence demonstrating its benefits. Additional alternative forms of CR are needed. An Internet-based approach may offer an alternative mode of delivering CR that may improve overall uptake. Activate Your Heart (AYH) is a Web-based CR program that has been designed to support individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD).ObjectiveThe aim of this pilot study was to observe the outcome for participants following the AYH program.MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational trial, recruiting low-risk patients with CHD. Measures of exercise, exercise capacity, using the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT), dietary habits, and psychosocial well-being were conducted by a CR specialist at baseline and at 8 weeks following the Web-based intervention.ResultsWe recruited 41 participants; 33 completed the program. We documented significant improvements in the ISWT distance (mean change 49.69 meters, SD 68.8, P<.001), and Quality of Life (QOL) (mean change 0.28, SD 0.4, P<.001). Dietary habits improved with an increased proportion of patients consuming at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, (22 [71%] to 29 [94%] P=.01) and an increased proportion of patients consuming at least 2 portions of oily fish per week (14 [45%] to 21 [68%], P=.01). We did not detect changes in anxiety and depression scores or exercise behavior.ConclusionsWe observed important improvements in exercise capacity, QOL, and dietary habits in a group of participants following a Web-based CR program. The program may offer an alternative approach to CR. A mobile version has been developed and we need to conduct further trials to establish its value compared to supervised CR.
Highlights
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the world’s leading cause of mortality [1]
A mobile version has been developed and we need to conduct further trials to establish its value compared to supervised cardiac rehabilitation (CR). (J Med Internet Res 2014;16(10):e242) doi:10.2196/jmir
Over the last few years, we have developed and refined an online comprehensive CR program, Activate Your Heart (AYH)
Summary
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the world’s leading cause of mortality [1]. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been shown to reduce cardiac mortality by 26% and the incidence of further cardiac events [2]. The World Health Organization defines CR as “activities that favorably influence the underlying cause of the disease and provision of the best possible, physical, mental, and social conditions, so that patients may, by their own efforts, resume as normal a place as possible in the community” [3]. It is characterized by a package of exercise and multidisciplinary education and secondary prevention advice. Conventional cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are traditionally based on time-constrained, structured, group-based programs, usually set in hospitals or leisure centers. Activate Your Heart (AYH) is a Web-based CR program that has been designed to support individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD)
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