Cardiac Telerehabilitation Research Articles

Efficacy, efficiency and safety of a cardiac telerehabilitation programme using wearable sensors in patients with coronary heart disease: the TELEWEAR-CR study protocol

IntroductionExercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a beneficial tool for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases with, however, low participation rates. Telerehabilitation, intergrading mobile technologies and wireless sensors may advance the...

Efficacy and Safety of Hybrid Cardiac Telerehabilitation in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy without Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction and Preserved Ejection Fraction—A Study Design

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common congenital disease increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death. For many years, HCM patients were excluded from exercise training. However, there are data showing that patients with HCM undergoing supervised exercise training could improve physical performance without serious adverse events. A project was designed as a randomized clinical trial to assess the effectiveness and safety of hybrid cardiac rehabilitation (HCR)—a combination of hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation (1 month) with a new form of home-based telemonitored cardiac rehabilitation (2 months) in HCM patients without left ventricular (LV) outflow tract obstruction and preserved systolic function. Sixty patients who fulfil the inclusion criteria have been randomly assigned (1:1) to either HCR plus usual care (training group) or usual care only (control group). The primary endpoint is a functional capacity evaluated by peak oxygen uptake (pVO2). Secondary endpoints include workload time during the cardiopulmonary exercise testing, a six-minute walk test distance, NT-pro BNP level, echocardiographic parameters of the left ventricular diastolic function (E/A, E/e’, myocardial strain rate), right ventricular systolic pressure, a gradient in the LV outflow tract, and quality of life. The tertiary analysis includes safety, acceptance and adherence to the HCR program. Our research will provide innovative data on the effectiveness and safety of hybrid cardiac rehabilitation in HCM patients without LV outflow tract obstruction and preserved systolic function. Clinical trials registry: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03178357.

Telerehabilitation in patients with recent hospitalization due to acute decompensated heart failure: protocol for the Tele-ADHF randomised controlled trial

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background/introduction Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has favourable effects in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients on exercise capacity, the risk at hospital (re-)admission and quality of life. Although CR is generally recommended, it is still under-utilized in the daily clinical practice partly due to logistics reasons, limited availability, and patient-related barriers. Cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) could solve some of these barriers, and have the same favourable outcomes. Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate if CTR in recently hospitalized CHF patients improves their physical functional capacity when compared to no rehabilitation. Methods This randomised controlled trial compares CTR with no rehabilitation after hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). 64 patients will be included during hospitalization, and start with Remote Patient Management (RPM). After a short period of stable CHF, the patients will be randomised for RPM combined with CTR (intervention group), or RPM alone (control group). The intervention group will start with an 18-weeks program with exercise training, supported by a (remote) technology-assisted dietary intervention and mental health guiding. The training program starts with three centre-based and two home-based video training sessions followed by video coaching sessions. The primary endpoint is physical functional capacity, evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score. Secondary endpoints are recovery after submaximal exercise by evaluating VO2 recovery kinetics (τ-rec), subjective health status, health related quality of life, compliance and acceptance, and readmission rate. Future implications This will be the first study to use an CTR program with integrated RPM after hospitalization for ADHF.

Phase III impact of telerehabilitation in patients with coronary heart disease

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in coronary heart disease (CAD) has been shown to improve physical capability and health-related quality of life, reducing morbimortality. However, CR accessibility is still low and patient adherence remains poor. It has been hypothesized that using mobile applications to telemonitor exercise-based CR would increase patient adherence to CR, improving results. Hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation (HCTR) is a new concept that includes center and home interventions. Objectives Investigate the effects of HCTR program on improving physical activity, quality of life and reducing cardiovascular risk factors among patients with CAD 1 year after CR phase II. Materials and methods Longitudinal retrospective study with patients who attended phase 2 CR program (CRP) at a hospital center between august 2018-november 2020. They were divided in 2 groups: group 1 completed conventional CRP (CCRP), 12 weeks of monitored hospital physical exercise and educational sessions; group 2 participated on HCTR program (CCRP associated to a tele-monitorization platform consisting of a mobile application, MOVIDA.eros, with medical prescription of physical exercise and remote interaction). Group 2 maintained use of MOVIDA.eros on phase 3. Evaluations were performed on T0 – phase 2 onset, T1 – end of phase 2, T2 – 1 year after T1, with registration of age, gender, occupation, body mass index (BMI), exercise stress testing, echocardiogram (evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]), LDL, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, NTproBNP levels, and application of EuroQol-5D questionnaire (EQ5D), International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ). Statistical analysis was completed through software SPSS v28. p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results We analyzed 68 patients, 46 on group 1 and 22 on group 2. Variable analysis revealed similar group characteristics, except for age (p=0.011) and LVEF (p=0.005). There was an association between HCTR adherence and occupation (p=0.002; greater proportion of intellectual professionals on group 2). We observed a significant IPAQ (p=0.018) and EQ-5D index (p=0.034) improvement between T0 to T1 in both groups, but only in group 2 persisted till T2. In exercise stress testing, both groups revealed an increase in METs at T1 and decrease at T2, without significant differences between them. Regarding lipid profile, HbA1c, NTproBNP and BMI, both groups improved from T0 to T1 maintaining it till T2 with no differences between them, however in group 2 HDL cholesterol levels were greater and HbA1c levels were lower than group 1. In both groups, LVEF increased from T0 to T1 and from T1 to T2 in both groups, with faster and higher improvement in group 2. Conclusions HCTR outperformed CCRP improving physical activity, patient quality of life, HDL cholesterol and faster improvement of LVEF. These findings encourage the use of a mobile platform in CR.

Cardiac telerehabilitation in a middle-income country: analysis of adherence, effectiveness and cost through a randomized clinical trial.

The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are already well established; however, such intervention has been underused, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. To compare adherence, effectiveness, and cost of a home CR with the traditional CR (TCR) in a middle-income country (MIC). Single-blind randomized control trial. A university hospital. Individuals with coronary disease that were eligible were invited to participate. A randomized sample of 51 individuals was selected, where two participants were not included by not meeting inclusion criteria. The home-CR group participated in health education activities, carried out two supervised exercise sessions, and was instructed to carry out 58 sessions at home. Weekly telephone calls were made. The TCR group held 24 supervised exercise sessions and were instructed to carry out 36 sessions at home. 49 individuals (42 male, 56.37±10.35years) participated in the study, 23 in the home-CR group and 26 in the TCR group. After the intervention, adherence in the home-CR and TCR groups was 94.18% and 79.08%, respectively, with no significant difference (P=0.191). Both protocols were effective for the other variables, with no differences. The cost per patient for the service was lower in the home-CR (US$ 59.31) than in the TCR group (US$ 135.05). CR performed at home in an MIC demonstrated similar adherence and effectiveness compared to the TCR program, but with a lower cost for the service. The results corroborate the possibility of using home CR programs, even in MICs, after exercise risk stratification and under remote supervision. Home-CR can contribute to overcome participants' barriers with compatible cost. Home-CR is effective in improving functional capacity and risk factors control. Perform risk stratification and remote supervision are essential to offer Home-CR.

Exercise-Based Real-time Telerehabilitation for Older Adult Patients Recently Discharged After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study

BackgroundThe use of telehealth technology to improve functional recovery following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has not been investigated.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to examine the feasibility of exercise-based cardiac telerehabilitation after TAVI.MethodsThis was a single-center, prospective, nonrandomized study using a mixed methods approach. Data collection included testing, researchers’ observations, logbooks, and individual patient interviews, which were analyzed using a content analysis approach. The intervention lasted 3 weeks and consisted of home-based web-based exercise training, an activity tracker, a TAVI information website, and 1 web-based session with a nurse.ResultsOf the initially included 13 patients, 5 (40%) completed the study and were interviewed; the median age was 82 (range 74-84) years, and the sample comprised 3 men and 2 women. Easy access to supervised exercise training at home with real-time feedback and use of the activity tracker to count daily steps were emphasized by the patients who completed the intervention. Reasons for patients not completing the program included poor data coverage, participants’ limited information technology skills, and a lack of functionality in the systems used. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionsExercise-based telerehabilitation for older people after TAVI, in the population as included in this study, and delivered as a web-based intervention, does not seem feasible, as 60% (8/13) of patients did not complete the study. Those completing the intervention highly appreciated the real-time feedback during the web-based training sessions. Future studies should address aspects that support retention rates and enhance patients’ information technology skills.

The effectiveness of cardiac telerehabilitation in comparison to centre-based cardiac rehabilitation programmes: A literature review.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an effective, yet under-utilised, form of secondary prevention in cardiac patients. Telemedicine is one method of overcoming barriers to accessing CR. Previous systematic reviews highlight variation in the effectiveness of telerehabilitation programmes and current literature lacks identification of which telemedicine interventions are most effective, despite differences in the results of primary studies. The objectives of this literature review were to: evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac telerehabilitation compared to centre-based programmes for managing cardiac risk factors, satisfaction and adherence in cardiac patients; identify the technologies used to deliver CR; identify the key components of effective interventions. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving an intervention group that received telerehabilitation and a control group that attended a CR centre were included. Twelve RCTs met the inclusion criteria. There is evidence to suggest that telerehabilitation programmes have similar effectiveness to centre-based CR. Phones were the most commonly used technology. Most studies used a combination of technologies including personal computers and self-monitoring equipment. Phase III telerehabilitation programmes using self-monitoring, motivational feedback and education were more effective than centre-based CR for increasing physical activity and functional capacity. Cardiac telerehabilitation is delivered by a range of technologies and has a similar effectiveness to centre-based programmes. While evidence suggests that additional health benefits are seen in patients who receive a telemedicine intervention in Phase III of CR, further evidence would be required to confidently draw this conclusion.

Effects of Cardiac Telerehabilitation During COVID-19 on Cardiorespiratory Capacities in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of most cardiac therapy centers. One of the solutions was to adapt the existing cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program in an institute to a remote approach offered by home-based telerehabilitation. The aim of this study was to measure the cardiorespiratory effects of telerehabilitation compared to conventional center-based CR.MethodsPatients were assigned to two 3-week CR programs: telerehabilitation and conventional center-based CR. The telerehabilitation group wore a connected watch to monitor heart rate (HR) and gave their perception of effort according to a modified Borg scale. The exercise training (four sessions/week) consisted of 1-h aerobic endurance and strength training session at the target HR zone determined by results based on cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and perception of effort, respectively. The exercise protocol was the same for conventional CR participants except the duration of session that lasted 2 h instead of one. The week before and after the training program, peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), oxygen uptake at first ventilatory threshold (VO2 at VT1), peak workload, percent of predicted maximum HR, and the absolute differences in HR and systolic blood pressure between maximum and recovery at 1 and 3 min were measured using a CPET. A two-way ANOVA with one repeated measure and one independent factor was performed.ResultsFifty-four patients (mean age: 61.5 ± 8.6 years, 10 women) equally split in the two groups were included in this experiment. A significant increase was observed in both groups on VO2 peak (telerehabilitation: 8.1 ± 7.8% vs. conventional: 10.1 ± 9.7%, p < 0.001), VO2 at VT1 (telerehabilitation: 8.8 ± 4.4% vs. conventional: 7.3 ± 19.0%, p = 0.02) and peak workload (telerehabilitation: 16.6 ± 18.9% vs. conventional: 17.2 ± 7.0%, p < 0.001) after the 3-week telerehabilitation and conventional CR, respectively. No significant difference was noticed between both groups.ConclusionA 3-week exercise program improved patients’ cardiorespiratory fitness. Telerehabilitation was as effective and represents a safe alternative CR program during the COVID-19 period. In the future, this approach could facilitate the continuity of care for patients unable to participate in center-based CR.

Mobilizing artificial intelligence to cardiac telerehabilitation.

Cardiac telerehabilitation is a method that uses digital technologies to deliver cardiac rehabilitation from a distance. It has been shown to have benefits to improve patients' disease outcomes and quality of life, and further reduce readmission and adverse cardiac events. The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has brought considerable new challenges to cardiac rehabilitation, which foster cardiac telerehabilitation to be broadly applied. This transformation is associated with some difficulties that urgently need some innovations to search for the right path. Artificial intelligence, which has a high level of data mining and interpretation, may provide a potential solution. This review evaluates the current application and limitations of artificial intelligence in cardiac telerehabilitation and offers prospects.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Lowers Active Behavior of Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases, Healthy Peoples and Athletes.

Aim: The paper aims to describe the impact of the increasing sedentary lifestyle due to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), healthy individuals, and athletes. Methods: A review of studies investigating the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on patients with CVDs, healthy subjects, and athletes has been conducted in the PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar medical databases. Results: The review highlighted the significant decrease of active behavior in patients with CVDs and mainly heart-failure patients, illustrated by a reduction of their daily steps and hours of being active during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review also enlightened a significant increase of the time spent in sedentary behavior and the sleep in healthy individuals. Finally, this review reported that the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions induced detraining periods in athletes, altering their health. These periods might also lead to a decrease of their future performances. Conclusions: Staying active and maintaining sufficient levels of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic are essential to preserve good health, despite the circumstances of quarantine. Alternatives such as completing a cardiac telerehabilitation for CVD patients or training at home for healthy subjects and athletes may be taken into consideration to maintain a regular active behavior in this sanitary context and potential future pandemics.

A 12-week cardiac telerehabilitation programme does not prevent relapse of physical activity levels: long-term results of the FIT@Home trial.

A 12-week cardiac telerehabilitation programme does not prevent relapse of physical activity levels: long-term results of the FIT@Home trial.

Technology Acceptance of Home-Based Cardiac Telerehabilitation Programs in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: Systematic Scoping Review.

BackgroundAn understanding of the technology acceptance of home-based cardiac telerehabilitation programs is paramount if they are to be designed and delivered to target the needs and preferences of patients with coronary heart disease; however, the current state of technology acceptance of home-based cardiac telerehabilitation has not been systematically evaluated in the literature.ObjectiveWe aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of home-based cardiac telerehabilitation technology acceptance in terms of (1) the timing and approaches used and (2) patients’ perspectives on its usability, utility, acceptability, acceptance, and external variables.MethodsWe searched PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus (inception to July 2021) for English-language papers that reported empirical evidence on the technology acceptance of early-phase home-based cardiac telerehabilitation in patients with coronary heart disease. Content analysis was undertaken.ResultsThe search identified 1798 studies, of which 18 studies, with 14 unique home-based cardiac telerehabilitation programs, met eligibility criteria. Technology acceptance (of the home-based cardiac telerehabilitation programs) was mostly evaluated at intra- and posttrial stages using questionnaires (n=10) and usage data (n=11). The least used approach was evaluation through qualitative interviews (n=3). Usability, utility, acceptability, and acceptance were generally favored. External variables that influenced home-based cardiac telerehabilitation usage included component quality, system quality, facilitating conditions, and intrinsic factors.ConclusionsHome-based cardiac telerehabilitation usability, utility, acceptability, and acceptance were high; yet, a number of external variables influenced acceptance. Findings and recommendations from this review can provide guidance for developing and evaluating patient-centered home-based cardiac telerehabilitation programs to stakeholders and clinicians.

Hybrid Cardiac Rehabilitation: A First French experience

The current pandemic imposes changes in the management of cardiac pathologies. Cardiac rehabilitation had to think about new protocols in order to welcome patients back. In connection with the observations of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology, the choice of cardiac telerehabilitation appeared to be unavoidable. This retrospective research based on data from the Medicalization of Information Systems Programme and the electronic medical record allows to analyse the effect of Hybrid Cardiac Rehabilitation. One hundred and ninety-two patients (29 females and 163 males) with an average of 56.9 years old (± 10.3) and with Risk of Activity Related Events (RARE) score below 4 were able to benefit from a Hybrid Cardiac Rehabilitation programme. Patients underwent 20 cardiac rehabilitation sessions: alternatively, patients underwent 10 classical cardiac rehabilitation sessions in the clinic and 10 cardiac telerehabilitation sessions at home. The data concerning the Stress Test, the Wall Squat Test and the reach test were collected. We have noticed that patients had improved their cardiorespiratory capacity on the initial and final Stress Test 6.6 (± 1.8) MET to 8.2 (± 1.9) MET ( P < 0.0001). We also found that patients improved lower limb muscle strength 75.1 (± 44.8) seconds to 105.7 (± 49.7) seconds ( P < 0.0001). Finally, there increase in flexibility 25.9 (± 11.9) centimeters to 20.5 (± 10.5) ( P < 0.0001) ( Table 1 ). Hybrid Cardiac Rehabilitation protocols can be set up for patients with low cardiovascular risk. The programme effectiveness appears to be comparable to the traditional model. However, additional studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of this programme in the long term and an evaluation of the Therapeutic patient education.

Hybrid telerehabilitation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction-the randomised clinical trial

Abstract Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common hereditary heart disease, and its diagnosis is often associated with limited physical activity. Little is known about cardiac rehabilitation programs for patients with HCM. Therefore the novel hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation (HCTR) model consisting of hospital-based rehabilitation and home-based telemonitored rehabilitation might be an option to improve physical capacity in patients with HCM. Purpose To evaluate the safety, effectiveness and adherence to HCTR in patients with HCM without the left ventricle (LV) outflow tract obstruction and preserved LV ejection fraction. Methods The study group comprised 60 patients with HCM (51.1±13.3 years; NYHA II-III; LV ejection fraction 66.1±6.9%). Patients were randomised (1:1) to either HCTR program (hospital-based rehabilitation [1 month] based on cycloergometer training and home-based telemonitored rehabilitation [2 months] based on Nordic walking, five times a week, at 40–70% of maximal estimated heart rate) - training group (TG), or to a control group (CG). All patients had implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. In order to perform home-based telemonitored rehabilitation, a special device was used which enabled patients to: (1) do Nordic walking training according to a preprogrammed plan, (2) record and send electrocardiograms (ECGs) via mobile phone network to the monitoring centre. The moments of automatic ECGs registration were pre-set and coordinated with exercise training. The effectiveness of HCTR was assessed by changes - delta (Δ) in duration (t) of the workload, peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) in cardiopulmonary exercise test, 6-minute walking test distance (6-MWT) as a result of comparing t (s), pVO2 (ml/kg/min), 6-MWT (m) from the beginning and the end of the program. Results Safety of HCTR. Neither death nor other serious adverse events occurred during HCTR. We did not observe any ICDs intervention during the HCTR. Effectiveness of HCTR: Within-group analysis: t, pVO2, 6-MWT increased significantly in TG: t 657±183 vs 766±181 (p&amp;lt;0.001), pVO2 19.2±5.0 vs 20.6±4.9 (p=0.007), 6-MWT 445±88 vs 551±77 (p&amp;lt;0.001). In the untrained CG, the unfavourable results were observed: 695±198 vs 717±187 (p=0.114), pVO2 21.2±5.1 vs 21.1±5.6 (p=0.723), 6-MWT 512±83 vs 536±84 (p=0.061). Between-group analysis: The differences between TG and CG were statistically significant: in Δt (p&amp;lt;0.001); ΔpVO2 (p=0.012); Δ6-MWT (p&amp;lt;0.001). Adherence to HCTR: In TG 28 patients (93%) completed the HCTR program. Two patients did no undergo HCTR because of personal issues. Conclusion Hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation in patients with HCM without the left ventricle (LV) outflow tract obstruction and preserved LV ejection fraction is safe and effective. The adherence to HCTR is high. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Statutory work in The Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński National Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw, Poland

A randomized controlled clinical trial of cardiac telerehabilitation with a prolonged mobile care monitoring strategy after an acute coronary syndrome.

BackgroundCenter‐based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR) improves health outcomes but has some limitations. We designed and validated a telerehabilitation system to overcome these barriers.MethodsWe included 67 low‐risk acute coronary syndrome patients in a randomized controlled trial allocated 1:1 to a 10‐month cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) program or an 8‐week CBCR program. Patients underwent ergospirometry, blood tests, anthropometric measurements, IPAQ, PREDIMED, HADS, and EQ‐5D questionnaires at baseline and 10 months. Data collectors were blinded to the treatment groups.ResultsThe intention‐to‐treat analysis included 31 patients in the CTR group and 28 patients in the CBCR group. The primary outcome showed increased physical activity according to the IPAQ survey in the CTR group compared to the CBCR group (median increase 1726 METS‐min/week vs. 636, p = .045). Mean VO2max increased 1.62 ml/(kg min) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56–2.69, p < .004) from baseline in the CTR group, and 0.60 mL/(kg min) (p = .40) in the CBCR group. Mean apoB/apoA‐I ratio decreased 0.13 (95% CI: −0.03 to 0.24, p = .017) in the CTR group, with no significant change in the CBCR group (p = .092). The median non‐HDL cholesterol increased by 7.3 mg/dl (IQR: −2.4 to 18.6, p = .021) in the CBCR group, but the increase was not significant in the CTR group (p = .080). Adherence to a Mediterranean diet, psychological distress, and quality of life showed greater improvement in the CTR group than in the CBCR group. Return‐to‐work time was reduced with the telerehabilitation strategy.ConclusionThis system allows minimal in‐hospital training and prolonged follow‐up. This strategy showed better results than CBCR.

Cardiac Telerehabilitation - A Solution for Cardiovascular Care in Japan.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a well-known intervention for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, in Japan, the outpatient CR participation rate is estimated to be very low. Cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) can be defined as a remote CR program using digital health technology to support it. Evidence regarding the use of CTR has been accumulated, and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for CTR. Japan has sufficient potential to benefit from CTR because, nationally, digital literacy is high and the infrastructure for telemedicine is developed. To overcome several barriers, evidence of CTR in Japan, well-educated multidisciplinary CTR teams, a good combination of center-based CR and CTR, and sophisticated systems including social insurance and adequate legislation need to be developed immediately. CTR has the potential to increase the low CR participation rate in Japan. CTR also has many different effects that not only cardiologists, but also paramedics who engage in CTR, have to be aware of.

Predictors of non-participation in a cardiac telerehabilitation programme: a prospective analysis.

Current cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) interventions are insufficiently tailored to the preferences and competences of individual patients, which raises the question whether their implementation will increase overall participation and adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR). However, research on patient-specific factors that influence participation and adoption of CTR interventions is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate which patient-related characteristics influence participation in a novel CTR intervention in patients with coronary artery disease. This prospective observational substudy of the SmartCare-CAD randomized controlled trial evaluated patient characteristics of study participants as proxy for participation in a CTR intervention. We compared demographic, geographic, and health-related characteristics between trial participants and non-participants to determine which characteristics influenced trial participation. A total of 699 patients (300 participants and 399 non-participants; 84% male, mean age 64.3 ± 10.5 years) were included. Most of the non-participants refused participation because of insufficient technical skills or lack of interest in digital health (26%), or preferred centre-based CR (21%). Variables independently associated with non-participation included: higher age, lower educational level, shorter travelling distance, smoking, positive family history for cardiovascular disease, having undergone coronary artery bypass grafting; and a higher blood pressure, worse exercise capacity, and higher risk of depression before the start of CR. Participation in CTR is strongly influenced by demographic and health-related factors such as age, educational level, smoking status, and both physical and mental functioning. Cardiac telerehabilitation interventions should therefore be redesigned with the involvement of these currently underrepresented patient subgroups.

Cost-effectiveness of Cardiac Telerehabilitation With Relapse Prevention for the Treatment of Patients With Coronary Artery Disease in the Netherlands

Cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) has been found to be a safe and beneficial alternative to traditional center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and might be associated with higher participation rates by reducing barriers to CR use. However, implementation of CTR interventions remains low, which may be owing to a lack of cost-effectiveness analyses of data from large-scale randomized clinical trials. To assess the cost-effectiveness of CTR with relapse prevention compared with center-based CR among patients with coronary artery disease. This economic evaluation performed a cost-utility analysis of data from the SmartCare-CAD (Effects of Cardiac Telerehabilitation in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Using a Personalized Patient-Centred ICT Platform) randomized clinical trial. The cost-effectiveness and utility of 3 months of cardiac telerehabilitation followed by 9 months of relapse prevention were compared with the cost-effectiveness of traditional center-based cardiac rehabilitation. The analysis included 300 patients with stable coronary artery disease who received care at a CR center serving 2 general hospitals in the Netherlands between May 23, 2016, and July 26, 2018. All patients were entering phase 2 of outpatient CR and were followed up for 1 year (until August 14, 2019). Data were analyzed from September 21, 2020, to September 24, 2021. After baseline measurements were obtained, participants were randomly assigned on a 1:1 ratio to receive CTR (intervention group) or center-based CR (control group) using computerized block randomization. After 6 supervised center-based training sessions, patients in the intervention group continued training at home using a heart rate monitor and accelerometer. Patients uploaded heart rate and physical activity data and discussed their progress during a weekly video consultation with their physical therapist. After 3 months, weekly coaching was concluded, and on-demand coaching was initiated for relapse prevention; patients were instructed to continue using their wearable sensors and were contacted in cases of nonadherence to the intervention or reduced exercise or physical activity volumes. Quality-adjusted life-years were assessed using the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level survey (EQ-5D-5L) and the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS), and cardiac-associated health care costs and non-health care costs were measured by health care consumption, productivity, and informal care questionnaires (the Medical Consumption Questionnaire, the Productivity Cost Questionnaire, and the Valuation of Informal Care Questionnaire) designed by the Institute for Medical Technology Assessment. Costs were converted to 2020 price levels (in euros) using the Dutch consumer price index (to convert to US dollars, euro values were multiplied by 1.142, which was the mean exchange rate in 2020). Among 300 patients (266 men [88.7%]), the mean (SD) age was 60.7 (9.5) years. The quality of life among patients receiving CTR vs center-based CR was comparable during the study according to the results of both utility measures (mean difference on EQ-5D-5L: -0.004; P = .82; mean difference on EQ-VAS: -0.001; P = .92). Intervention costs were significantly higher for CTR (mean [SE], €224 [€4] [$256 ($4)]) compared with center-based CR (mean [SE], €156 [€5] [$178 ($6)]; P < .001); however, no difference in overall cardiac health care costs was observed between CTR (mean [SE], €4787 [€503] [$5467 ($574)] and center-based CR (mean [SE], €5507 [€659] [$6289 ($753)]; P = .36). From a societal perspective, CTR was associated with lower costs compared with center-based CR (mean [SE], €20 495 [€ 2751] [$23 405 ($3142)] vs €24 381 [€3613] [$27 843 ($4126)], respectively), although this difference was not statistically significant (-€3887 [-$4439]; P = .34). In this economic evaluation, a CTR intervention with relapse prevention was likely to be cost-effective compared with center-based CR, suggesting that CTR maybe used as an alternative intervention for the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease. These results add to the evidence base in favor of CTR and may increase the implementation of CTR interventions in clinical practice.

Willingness to participate in cardiac telerehabilitation: results from semi-structured interviews.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is indicated in patients with cardiovascular disease but participation rates remain low. Telerehabilitation (TR) is often proposed as a solution. While many trials have investigated TR, few have studied participation rates in conventional CR non-participants. The aim of this study was to identify the percentage of patients that would be willing to participate in a TR programme to identify the main perceived barriers and facilitators for participating in TR. Two groups of patients were recruited: CR non-participants and CR participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thirty non-participants and 30 participants were interviewed. Of CR non-participants, 33% would participate in TR and 10% would participate in a blended CR programme (combination of centre-based CR and TR). Of CR participants, 60% would participate in TR and 70% would be interested in a blended CR programme. Of those that would participate in TR, 44% would prefer centre-based CR, 33% would prefer a blended CR programme, and 11% would prefer a full TR programme. In both groups, the main facilitating aspect about TR was not needing transport and the main barrier was digital literacy. For CR non-participants, TR will only partly solve the problem of low participation rates and blended programmes might not offer a solution. Cardiac rehabilitation participants are more prepared to participate in TR and blended CR. Digital literacy was in both groups mentioned as an important barrier, emphasizing the challenges for healthcare and local governments to keep educating all types of patients in digital literacy.

Hybrid telerehabilitation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction-the randomised clinical trial

Abstract Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common hereditary heart disease, and its diagnosis is often associated with limited physical activity. Little is known about cardiac rehabilitation programs for patients with HCM. Therefore the novel hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation (HCTR) model consisting of hospital-based rehabilitation and home-based telemonitored rehabilitation might be an option to improve physical capacity in patients with HCM. Purpose To evaluate the safety, effectiveness and adherence to HCTR in patients with HCM without the left ventricle (LV) outflow tract obstruction and preserved LV ejection fraction. Methods The study group comprised 60 patients with HCM (51.1±13.3 years; NYHA II-III; LV ejection fraction 66.1±6.9%). Patients were randomised (1:1) to either HCTR program (hospital-based rehabilitation [1 month] based on cycloergometer training and home-based telemonitored rehabilitation [2 months] based on Nordic walking, five times a week, at 40–70% of maximal estimated heart rate) - training group (TG), or to a control group (CG). All patients had implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. In order to perform home-based telemonitored rehabilitation, a special device was used which enabled patients to: (1) do Nordic walking training according to a preprogrammed plan, (2) record and send electrocardiograms (ECGs) via mobile phone network to the monitoring centre. The moments of automatic ECGs registration were pre-set and coordinated with exercise training. The effectiveness of HCTR was assessed by changes - delta (Δ) in duration (t) of the workload, peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) in cardiopulmonary exercise test, 6-minute walking test distance (6-MWT) as a result of comparing t (s), pVO2 (ml/kg/min), 6-MWT (m) from the beginning and the end of the program. Results Safety of HCTR. Neither death nor other serious adverse events occurred during HCTR. We did not observe any ICDs intervention during the HCTR. Effectiveness of HCTR: Within-group analysis: t, pVO2, 6-MWT increased significantly in TG: t 657±183 vs 766±181 (p&amp;lt;0.001), pVO2 19.2±5.0 vs 20.6±4.9 (p=0.007), 6-MWT 445±88 vs 551±77 (p&amp;lt;0.001). In the untrained CG, the unfavourable results were observed: 695±198 vs 717±187 (p=0.114), pVO2 21.2±5.1 vs 21.1±5.6 (p=0.723), 6-MWT 512±83 vs 536±84 (p=0.061). Between-group analysis: The differences between TG and CG were statistically significant: in Δt (p&amp;lt;0.001); ΔpVO2 (p=0.012); Δ6-MWT (p&amp;lt;0.001). Adherence to HCTR: In TG 28 patients (93%) completed the HCTR program. Two patients did no undergo HCTR because of personal issues. Conclusion Hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation in patients with HCM without the left ventricle (LV) outflow tract obstruction and preserved LV ejection fraction is safe and effective. The adherence to HCTR is high. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Statutory work in The Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński National Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw, Poland