Comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Research Articles

Focusing on Sedentary Behavior in Comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation.

In recent years, the adverse effects of prolonged sedentary behavior in daily life, so-called 'sitting too much', on health have been pointed out. Sedentary behavior is defined as 'all waking behavior in which the energy expenditure in a sitting, semi-recumbent, or recumbent position is 1.5 metabolic equivalents or less'. Even if a person engages in the level of physical activity recommended in the guidelines, sitting for too long at other times may increase the risk of developing various diseases and death. For patients with cardiovascular disease, a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program that systematically includes not only medical treatment but also exercise therapy, patient education, and disease management is extremely important. Also, differences in sedentary behavior during the acute and recovery phases are known to affect physical function and activities of daily living at the time of hospital discharge. Here, we discuss cardiac rehabilitation that addresses sedentary behavior and review the previous related research.

Impact of inpatient cardiac rehabilitation on hospital-associated disability for older patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: insight from the JROAD/JROAD-DPC database

Abstract Background Hospital-associated disability (HAD), a decline in the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) during hospitalization, is a modifiable target in the integrated care for older adults. Inpatient rehabilitation during the perioperative period is a part of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program and plays a pivotal role in functional recovery and smooth reintegration into the home, community, and workplace after surgery. Prior research, including meta-analyses, have shown that outpatient CR participation after discharge of patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement is associated with a significant improvement in exercise capacity and indexes of ADL. However, the impact of inpatient CR on the occurrence of HAD remains unexplored. Purpose Using a large real-world nationwide database in Japan, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HAD and the impact of inpatient CR participation on the development of HAD in older patients undergoing TAVI. Methods Older patients undergoing TAVI were extracted from the Japanese nationwide database (JROAD-DPC) from April 2014 to March 2021 and were divided into patients receiving inpatient CR (CR group) and non-CR group. HAD was defined as a decrease in the Barthel Index score ≥ 5 points at discharge relative to admission. Results Of 19,789 eligible patients, 17,066 (86%) underwent inpatient CR (average age, 84.3 ± 4.9 years; Woman, 65%). The overall prevalence of HAD was 9.6%, with a lower incidence in the CR group than those in the non-CR group (8.8% vs. 14.2%, p < 0.01). Participation in inpatient CR was associated with a significantly lower odds ratio (OR) of HAD in multivariate logistic regression analysis (adjusted OR, 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54–0.70; p < 0.01) and in inverse probability of treatment weighting-adjusted logistic regression analyses (adjusted OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.77–0.88; p < 0.01; Table). Analyses in subgroups of interest showed heterogeneity of the effects of inpatient CR with possible loss in patients with a body mass index of less than 18.5 kg/m² or BI score of less than 60 points at admission (Figure). Conclusions A substantial number of older patients undergoing TAVI developed HAD during perioperative period. Participation in inpatient CR was associated with a lower likelihood of HAD in TAVI recipients, but the benefit of inpatient CR for development of HAD was possibly lost in patients with a low BMI and low a BI score at admission, indicating the necessity of HAD-targeted multidisciplinary CR for lean patients with ADL disability before TAVI.Figure

The potential effect of mobile application-based telerehabilitation on physical activity levels in heart failure patients: insights from the intelliot EU project

Abstract Background Regular physical activity is paramount in heart failure (HF) patients and, due to its well-established benefit in quality of life, functional capacity and prognosis, carries a Class I indication in international guidelines. However, satisfactory compliance rates remain suboptimal, which is largely attributable to unavailability or suboptimal utilization of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programs. Digital health application-based telerehabilitation, on the other hand, has emerged as a potentially valuable tools in enhancing risk factor control and lifestyle modification rates in this high-risk patient population. Purpose In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the use of a purpose-designed Internet of Things (IoT)-based e-health system could lead to a clinically relevant increase in physical activity in a cohort of patients with HF across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods Nineteen HF patients were enrolled in the study. Subjects' key clinical characteristics are summarized in Picture 1. All subjects were provided with: a) a set of medical devices with wireless connectivity, b) a state-of-the-art smartwatch and c) a latest-generation smartphone, to which a dedicated patient application was installed. The latter was coupled with a web-based platform designed for physician use, forming the patient-physician interface (PFI). On top of standard-of-care verbal and written exercise recommendations, study physicians also prescribed individualized, guideline-directed exercise regimens for each patient via the PFI, which, in turn, delivered to subjects notifications upon detection of deviations (Picture 2). The first month of participation -during which the smartwatch was used as an activity tracker but exercise notifications had not been activated- served as the baseline period; baseline physical activity level in steps per day was then compared to the respective value measured during each of the 5 following months. Results Mean baseline-to-peak increase in daily step count was calculated at 23.34% (-20.33 - 103.63%). A baseline-to-peak increase in physical activity level of at least 20% was observed in 9/19 patients, with 6 more demonstrating a baseline-to-peak increase in the order of magnitude of 15-19.99%. Only 3 patients failed to achieve any increase in daily step count average. However, after the study month in which the peak physical activity value was observed (typically in the 2nd-4th study month), mean daily step count declined to baseline again in all but 2 patients. Conclusions Despite the study's non-randomized design and small sample size, our results suggest that mobile application-based telerehabilitation constitutes a promising approach in HF patients’ care, as it could aid them achieve a clinically relevant increase in physical activity; this effect, however, can be transient, and this highlights the importance of continued physician oversight.Picture 1: Clinical characteristicsPicture 2: Exercise prescription example

Online Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for Japanese Patients With Coronary Artery Disease - A Pilot Study Protocol.

A comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program is recommended for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, many facilities do not have established programs for dietary guidance and patient education, resulting in an exercise-based CR program and limited efficacy for secondary prevention. A pilot study will be conducted to develop an online Japanese-style intensive cardiac rehabilitation (J-ICR) program for Japanese patients with CAD and will examine adherence, safety, and efficacy. Twenty-four patients diagnosed with stable CAD will be randomly assigned in a 1 : 1 ratio to either an early or late-phase group. The program will comprise the following four parts: exercise sessions; dietary education centered on "the Japan diet"; mindfulness; and group support, with a frequency of 3 h per session, once a week for 12 weeks (a total of 36 h). The primary endpoint will be program feasibility, determined by examining its adherence. Physical examination and function, stress-coping skills, risk of classic CAD (e.g., lipid profile, glucose tolerance, and blood pressure), and dietary changes will be assessed as secondary endpoints. The online J-ICR program is designed as a comprehensive CR program for Japanese patients with CAD. If this program shows high adherence and an improvement in CAD risk factors, its secondary prevention effect should be verified with appropriately powered randomized trials at multiple centers.

Effectiveness and Influencing Factors of Home-Center-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation as a Transitional Strategy for Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients.

Currently, providing patients, particularly those with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been challenging because of the inadequate availability of medical resources in developing countries. To ensure balance between disease instability and early rehabilitation, strategies for facilitating professional and comprehensive CR opportunities for patients with AMI must be explored.A prospective cohort study was carried out on 1,533 patients with AMI who were admitted to a tertiary hospital between July 2018 and October 2019. Following the principle of voluntarism, 286 patients with AMI participated in home-center-based CR (HCB group), whereas 1,247 patients received usual care (UC group). The primary endpoint of this study was the occurrence of cardiovascular events at 30 months after AMI. Moreover, the study analyzed factors that influence participation rate and effectiveness of the CR model.After analysis, a significant difference in the occurrence of cardiovascular endpoints between the HCB group and the UC group was observed (harzard ratio, 0.68 [95%CI, 0.51-0.91], P = 0.008), with participation in home-center-based CR being an independent influencing factor. Multivariate regression analysis revealed age, gender, smoking history, triglyceride levels, and ejection fraction as independent factors that influence participation rate. Female gender, peak oxygen uptake per kilogram body weight, and ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope were identified as factors that affect the effectiveness of the CR model.In the context of developing countries, this study demonstrates that the home-center-based CR model is efficient and analyzes factors that influence participation rate and effectiveness of the model. These findings provide practical insights for further development of CR programs.

Association Between Adherence to a 3-Month Cardiac Rehabilitation Program and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Japanese Patients With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CCR) completion and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). This retrospective cohort study included 834 patients with CIED who participated in CCR, which included a cardiopulmonary exercise test or 6-min walk test. Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%, predicted peak oxygen uptake ≤80%, or B-type natriuretic peptide level ≥80pg/mL were eligible. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. After excluding 241 patients with duplicate records and 69 who underwent CCR in the outpatient department, the data of 524 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 64±15yr, 389 (74%) patients were men, left ventricular ejection fraction was 31±15%, and 282 (54%) patients had a history of hospitalization for worsening heart failure. Of the patients referred for CCR, 294 (56%) completed the program, and an additional 230 patients started but did not complete CCR. Over a 3.7-yr median follow-up period, all-cause mortality occurred in 156 (30%) patients. Completers had lower all-cause mortality rates than non-completers (log-rank 15.77, P <.001). After adjusting for prognostic baseline characteristics, completers had 58% lower all-cause mortality risks than non-completers (HR=0.42; 95% CI, 0.27-0.64, P <.001). Three-mo CCR program completion was associated with lower mortality risks in patients with CIED. New programs or management methods are needed to decrease mortality risks, especially for those who cannot complete CCR programs.

The effect of audit and feedback and implementation support on guideline adherence and patient outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation: a study protocol for an open-label cluster-randomized effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial

Background Providing secondary prevention through structured and comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programmes to patients after a myocardial infarction (MI) reduces mortality and morbidity and improves health-related quality of life. Cardiac rehabilitation has the highest recommendation in current guidelines. While treatment target attainment rates at Swedish cardiac rehabilitation centres is among the highest in Europe, there are considerable differences in service delivery and variations in patient-level outcomes between centres. In this trial, we aim to study whether centre-level guideline adherence and patient-level outcomes across Swedish cardiac rehabilitation centres can be improved through a) regular audit and feedback of cardiac rehabilitation structure and processes through a national quality registry and b) supporting cardiac rehabilitation centres in implementing guidelines on secondary prevention. Furthermore, we aim to evaluate the implementation process and costs.MethodsThe study is an open-label cluster-randomized effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial including all 78 cardiac rehabilitation centres (attending to approximately 10 000 MI patients/year) that report to the SWEDEHEART registry. The centres will be randomized 1:1:1 to three clusters: 1) reporting cardiac rehabilitation structure and process variables to SWEDEHEART every six months (audit intervention) and being offered implementation support to implement guidelines on secondary prevention (implementation support intervention); 2) audit intervention only; or 3) no intervention offered. Baseline cardiac rehabilitation structure and process variables will be collected. The primary outcome is an adherence score measuring centre-level adherence to secondary prevention guidelines. Secondary outcomes include patient-level secondary prevention risk factor goal attainment at one-year after MI and major adverse coronary outcomes for up to five-years post-MI. Implementation outcomes include barriers and facilitators to guideline adherence evaluated using semi-structured focus-group interviews and relevant questionnaires, as well as costs and cost-effectiveness assessed by a comparative health economic evaluation.DiscussionOptimizing cardiac rehabilitation centres’ delivery of services to meet standards set in guidelines may lead to improvement in cardiovascular risk factors, including lifestyle factors, and ultimately a decrease in morbidity and mortality after MI.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT05889416. Registered 2023-03-23.

The Clinical Outcome of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Coronary Artery Disease Patients with Regard to the Presence of Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction.

Background: Despite the use of advanced treatment techniques, coronary artery disease (CAD) still remains the main cause of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and heart failure. Participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs can lead to a number of beneficial effects, but some patients do not demonstrate the expected improvement. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of CR on changes in exercise capacity with regard to the presence of LV dysfunction. Methods: A group of 428 patients with CAD were consecutively admitted to an outpatient comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program comprising 24 exercise sessions of interval training on cycle ergometers, three times a week for 45 min, and a health education. The patients were compared in two subgroups, i.e., with LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF < 50%, n = 175) and LVEF ≥ 50% (n = 253). Results: In the LVEF < 50% group, the exercise capacity improved by 1 ± 0.78 MET (median 1.15 MET), and 0.86 ± 0.77 MET (median 1.08 MET) in the LVEF ≥ 50% group. Women with LVEF < 50% demonstrated a significant increase in exercise capacity by 1.2 MET, while those with LVEF ≥ 50% did not display any such increase. All men, regardless of LVEF, exhibited a similar improvement in exercise capacity greater than 1 MET. Conclusions: An outpatient eight-week cardiac rehabilitation program based on 45 min aerobic interval training sessions three times a week appears less effective for women with CAD and EF ≥ 50%. In this group, the proposed training intervention is insufficient in improving exercise capacity to an extent that could indicate a reduction in mortality risk.

Mechanisms and benefits of cardiac rehabilitation in individuals with stroke: emerging role of its impact on improving cardiovascular and neurovascular health.

Human and animal studies have demonstrated the mechanisms and benefits of aerobic exercise for both cardiovascular and neurovascular health. Aerobic exercise induces neuroplasticity and neurophysiologic reorganization of brain networks, improves cerebral blood flow, and increases whole-body VO2peak (peak oxygen consumption). The effectiveness of a structured cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program is well established and a vital part of the continuum of care for people with cardiovascular disease. Individuals post stroke exhibit decreased cardiovascular capacity which impacts their neurologic recovery and extends disability. Stroke survivors share the same risk factors as patients with cardiac disease and can therefore benefit significantly from a comprehensive CR program in addition to neurorehabilitation to address their cardiovascular health. The inclusion of individuals with stroke into a CR program, with appropriate adaptations, can significantly improve their cardiovascular health, promote functional recovery, and reduce future cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events thereby reducing the economic burden of stroke.

Abstract 17829: Improving Access to Cardiac Rehabilitation for Minorities and Vulnerable Patients With a Multidisciplinary Program in a Large Metropolitan Public Hospital Network

Introduction: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves outcomes after myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery or in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. However, access to CR is often limited to insured patients or those who can pay out-of-pocket, leaving uninsured or undocumented patients without access to these benefits. Our aim is to describe the implementation and outcomes of a multidisciplinary comprehensive CR program in the largest public health system in the country, as a strategy to mitigate healthcare disparities and improve access to care for minorities. Methods: Our CR program started in March 2021 as a virtual program and opened for in-person care in November 2022. We collected clinical, demographic, socioeconomic, and immigration data as well as data on clinical outcomes such as hospital readmission, mortality, and program completion rates. Results: A total of 202 patients were included (35.6% women, mean age 62), with 83.7% of patients in virtual CR and 16.3 % in in-person CR. The most common ethnic group was Black (41.6%) followed by Hispanic (38.6%). A total of 23.8% were uninsured, 21.3% were undocumented and 52.5% lived below the poverty level reported for New York City. The highest level of education was &lt; 8th grade in 16.8%, high school in 22.8%, at least 2 years of college in 5.5%, &gt; 4 years of college in 7.9% and unknown in 47%. The hospital readmission rate at 6 months was 12.4% and mortality was 1.5%. There were no significant differences in survival or readmission by ethnic group. Of patients completing at least one visit, 72% were active or graduated from virtual CR and 90% were active or graduated for in-person CR (Figure). Conclusions: Our multidisciplinary CR program demonstrates feasibility in providing care to underserved and vulnerable populations, showing excellent results and providing a strategy to decrease healthcare disparities in access to an intervention which improves outcomes across a broad spectrum of cardiac disease.

The State of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Saudi Arabia: Barriers, Facilitators, and Policy Implications.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a critical public health issue in Saudi Arabia, where it is the leading cause of death. The economic burden of CVD in the country is expected to triple by 2035, reaching $9.8 billion. This paper provides an overview of CVD in Saudi Arabia and its risk factors, impact on healthcare, and effects on patients' quality of life. The review emphasizes the potential of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs in addressing the CVD epidemic. CR programs have been shown to reduce morbidity, mortality, and hospital readmissions while improving patients' cardiovascular health and overall well-being. However, these programs are underutilized and inaccessible in Saudi Arabia. The paper highlights the urgent need for CR programs in the country and suggests key strategies for implementation. These include increasing patient referrals, tailoring programs to individual needs, enhancing patient education, and making CR accessible through home-based options. Fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and developing tailored guidelines for Arab countries can further enhance the impact of CR programs. In conclusion, this review underscores the vital importance of comprehensive CR programs in Saudi Arabia to combat the rising CVD burden, improve patient quality of life, and align with the goals of the Saudi 2030 Vision for a healthier society.

Factors shaping return to work: a qualitative study among heart failure patients in Denmark

Purpose For people of working-age diagnosed with heart failure, return to work (RTW) is often a significant rehabilitation goal. To inform vocational rehabilitation strategies, we conducted a qualitative study aiming at exploring patient experienced support needs, and barriers and facilitators to RTW. Materials and methods Ten men and eight women with heart failure (48–60 years) were interviewed in Denmark during 2022. A thematic analysis was conducted using the Sherbrooke model as framework. Results Multiple factors operating at different levels shaped participants’ RTW processes. Personal factors included motivation, mental and physical health, social relations, and financial concerns. Factors in the health care system shaping RTW included access to medical treatment, mental health care, and cardiac rehabilitation. Factors in workplace system shaping RTW included job type, employer support, and social relations. Factors in the legislative and insurance system shaping RTW included authorities’ administration of sickness benefits, professional assistance, vocational counselling, and interdisciplinary cooperation. Conclusion Findings illustrate a need to include vocational rehabilitation within comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programmes, to identify people in need of support, to improve the coordination of care across the health and social care sectors, and to involve employers, health care professionals, and social workers in individualised RTW strategies. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Vocational re-integration is shaped by multiple factors operating at different levels (including personal factors, work-related factors, factors in the health care system, and factors in the legislative and insurance system). To improve return to work following heart failure, there is a need for multi-level initiatives, including policy measures and efforts to enhance continuity and coordination of care. People with heart failure in need of vocational support should be identified early within comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programmes. Health care professionals should address work-related issues and provide individualised information and clear advice regarding timely and safe return to work. Individualised return-to-work plans should be developed within interdisciplinary teams across health and social care sectors and involve employers to ensure that they are aware of relevant work accommodations.

The association of serum adiponectin level with activities of daily living in hospitalized elderly patients with heart failure

BackgroundSeveral studies have reported a relationship between elevated serum adiponectin levels and poor outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). However, data on the activities of daily living (ADL) in elderly patients with HF are limited. MethodsWe evaluated 218 hospitalized elderly (≥65 years) patients with HF who underwent a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program during hospitalization. Serum adiponectin levels were measured before discharge. The Barthel index (BI) score was evaluated at discharge. Low ADL was defined as a BI score < 85. ResultsSerum adiponectin levels were significantly associated with low ADL [p = 0.03; odds ratio (OR), 1.024, per 1.0 μg/mL increase]. In logistic or regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, high adiponectin levels (≥16.2 μg/mL) were significantly associated with low ADL (p = 0.04; OR, 2.53), malnutrition (p < 0.01; OR, 2.88), and 6-min walk distance (p = 0.04; β = −17.5). In the multivariate analysis adjusted for conventional risk factors of low ADL, high adiponectin levels were also significantly associated with low ADL (p = 0.03; OR, 2.68). In the stepwise forward selection procedure, a high adiponectin level was an independent determinant of low ADL (p = 0.02; R2 = 0.0262). Both net reclassification improvement (0.53; p < 0.01) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.02; p = 0.01) improved significantly after the addition of high adiponectin level to conventional risk factors. In the regression analysis adjusted for age and sex, serum adiponectin levels were significantly (p < 0.0025) negatively associated with abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue areas, body weight, body mass index, and serum triglyceride levels. ConclusionsHigh serum adiponectin levels were not only significantly associated with an increased risk of low ADL, but also with an increased risk of malnutrition and low physical activity in elderly patients with HF after the in-hospital CR program.

Do ethnic minorities improve in exercise capacity following cardiac rehabilitation? a secondary analysis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): SOLVE-CHD NHMRC Grant Background/Introduction Ethnic minorities experience higher rates of cardiovascular disease risks due to a combination of risk factors and socio-cultural influences. While comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has well-established benefits for reducing mortality, morbidity, and improving physical fitness, little is known about exercise capacity outcomes for ethnic minorities following CR. Purpose This secondary analysis of data from an observational study aimed to evaluate exercise capacity outcomes of ethnic minorities following CR using 6-minute walk test (6MWT) or metabolic equivalent of task (METs) and to compare it to the majority group. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine if ethnic minority status was an independent predictor of change in 6MWT and METs after adjusting for baseline characteristics (age, sex, diagnosis, smoking, referral site, and wait time). Additionally, a binary logistic regression model was created for completers versus non-completers accounting for baseline variables. Results Participants totalled 2335, of which 326 (14%) were ethnic minorities. The mean age of ethnic minorities was 66.46 (SD 12.12) years, with 228 (70%) males. The most common referral diagnosis was myocardial infarction (27%), angina (25%), other – arrhythmias, cardiac devices, valve diseases/procedures (24%), and cardiac surgery (24%). Ethnic minorities had significantly lower 6MWT scores at baseline compared to the majority (379.9 (SD 118) versus 430.7 (SD 103) meters, p&amp;lt;0.001, but METs were comparable (6.69 (SD 2.73) versus 6.46 (SD 2.28) mg/kg/min, p = 0.69. At CR completion, improvements in 6MWT were equivalent for minority (71.03 (SD 58.57)) and majority (71.37 (SD 61.16)) groups (p = 0.96), as well as METs (minority 3.01 (SD 1.66) versus majority 3.13 (SD 1.74) p = 0.77). Minority status was not an independent predictor of change in 6MWT and METs after accounting for age, sex, diagnosis, smoking, referral site, and wait time. However, participants that were minorities were half as likely to complete (OR 0.49 95% CI 0.38, 0.65). Conclusion Ethnic minorities achieve equivalent improvements in exercise capacity to majority participants following CR. These findings add to the effectiveness evidence of CR, at least for exercise capacity, for diverse populations. However, such benefits would only be gained with adequate participation and CR program completion, which remains poor for ethnic minorities. Improving CR program uptake and completion for ethnic minorities with cardiovascular disease should be prioritised.

Effectiveness of a Sedentary Behaviour Intervention as a Personalised Secondary Prevention Strategy (SIT LESS) for patients with coronary artery disease: primary outcomes of the SIT LESS trial

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Dutch Heart Foundation. Background High levels of time spent sedentary are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, even after accounting for traditional risk factors. A sedentary lifestyle is highly prevalent among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Purpose This clinical trial aimed to determine whether a multicomponent, hybrid (center- and home-based), sedentary behaviour change intervention as a personalized secondary prevention strategy (SIT LESS) reduces daily sedentary time among patients with CAD participating in cardiac rehabilitation. Methods Patients were randomised to usual care (n=104) or SIT LESS (n=108). Both groups received a comprehensive 12-week centre-based cardiac rehabilitation programme with face-to-face consultations and supervised exercise sessions, whereas SIT LESS participants additionally received a 12-week, nurse-delivered, hybrid behaviour change intervention in combination with an activity tracker connected to a smartphone application. Primary outcome was the change in objectively measured sedentary time between pre- to post-rehabilitation. Results Patients (77% male) were 63±10 years and primarily diagnosed with myocardial infarction (78%). Sedentary time decreased in SIT LESS (−1.6 [−2.1 to −1.1] hours/day) and controls (−1.2 [ ─1.7 to −0.8]), but between group differences did not reach statistical significance (─0.4 [─1.0 to 0.3]) hours/day, Central Figure). The post-rehabilitation proportion of patients with a sedentary time above the upper limit of normal (≥9.5 hours/day) was significantly lower in SIT LESS versus controls (48% versus 72%, baseline-adjusted odds-ratio 0.4 (0.2-0.8)). No differences were observed in the other predefined secondary outcomes. Conclusions Among patients with coronary artery disease participating in cardiac rehabilitation, SIT LESS did not induce significantly greater reductions in sedentary time compared to controls, but delivery was feasible and a reduced odds of a sedentary time ≥9.5 hours/day was observed.

Effectiveness of an intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour as a personalised secondary prevention strategy for patients with coronary artery disease: main outcomes of the SIT LESS randomised clinical trial

BackgroundA high sedentary time is associated with increased mortality risk. Previous studies indicate that replacement of sedentary time with light- and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity attenuates the risk for adverse outcomes and improves cardiovascular risk factors. Patients with cardiovascular disease are more sedentary compared to the general population, while daily time spent sedentary remains high following contemporary cardiac rehabilitation programmes. This clinical trial investigated the effectiveness of a sedentary behaviour intervention as a personalised secondary prevention strategy (SIT LESS) on changes in sedentary time among patients with coronary artery disease participating in cardiac rehabilitation.MethodsPatients were randomised to usual care (n = 104) or SIT LESS (n = 108). Both groups received a comprehensive 12-week centre-based cardiac rehabilitation programme with face-to-face consultations and supervised exercise sessions, whereas SIT LESS participants additionally received a 12-week, nurse-delivered, hybrid behaviour change intervention in combination with a pocket-worn activity tracker connected to a smartphone application to continuously monitor sedentary time. Primary outcome was the change in device-based sedentary time between pre- to post-rehabilitation. Changes in sedentary time characteristics (prevalence of prolonged sedentary bouts and proportion of patients with sedentary time ≥ 9.5 h/day); time spent in light-intensity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; step count; quality of life; competencies for self-management; and cardiovascular risk score were assessed as secondary outcomes.ResultsPatients (77% male) were 63 ± 10 years and primarily diagnosed with myocardial infarction (78%). Sedentary time decreased in SIT LESS (− 1.6 [− 2.1 to − 1.1] hours/day) and controls (− 1.2 [ ─1.7 to − 0.8]), but between group differences did not reach statistical significance (─0.4 [─1.0 to 0.3]) hours/day). The post-rehabilitation proportion of patients with a sedentary time above the upper limit of normal (≥ 9.5 h/day) was significantly lower in SIT LESS versus controls (48% versus 72%, baseline-adjusted odds-ratio 0.4 (0.2–0.8)). No differences were observed in the other predefined secondary outcomes.ConclusionsAmong patients with coronary artery disease participating in cardiac rehabilitation, SIT LESS did not induce significantly greater reductions in sedentary time compared to controls, but delivery was feasible and a reduced odds of a sedentary time ≥ 9.5 h/day was observed.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register: NL9263.Graphical Outcomes of the SIT LESS trial: changes in device-based sedentary time from pre-to post-cardiac rehabilitation (control group) and cardiac rehabilitation + SIT LESS (intervention group). SIT LESS reduced the odds of patients having a sedentary time >9.5 hours/day (upper limit of normal), although the absolute decrease in sedentary time did not significantly differ from controls. SIT LESS appears to be feasible, acceptable and potentially beneficial, but a larger cluster randomised trial is warranted to provide a more accurate estimate of its effects on sedentary time and clinical outcomes. CR: cardiac rehabilitation.

Abstract 14493: Strength- and Aerobic-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Improves Intermediate Outcomes and Functional Capacity in Patients With Diabetes

Background: Improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness during comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is associated with improved cardiovascular prognosis. However, data on the improvement of intermediate outcomes (IOs) also associated with improved prognosis, i.e., low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and systolic blood pressure (SBP), in patients living with diabetes (DM) has been conflicting. The aim of this study is to characterize the integrated effects of combining strength and aerobic training on these IOs and functional capacity for patients living with and without DM. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 377 CR program enrollments from 333 individual patients from 12/2019 - 3/2022. Paired functional capacity was assessed by the metabolic equivalent of task (METs) in a 6-minute walk test (6-MWT), arm curl reps, chair-to-stand reps, and timed up and go test. Demographics and IOs were obtained from the electronic records. P-values were determined by the Chi-square test for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. Results: Baseline demographics and comorbidities of our cohort are described in Table 1. Patients with DM had more CAD and CKD. All patients undergoing CR showed integrated improvements in LDL with functional capacity in this paired analysis. However, patients without DM demonstrated a more significant reduction in SBP (Table 2). Conclusions: Combining strength and aerobic training resulted in integrated improvements in lipids and functional outcomes between patients with and without DM. Our results highlight the efficacy of this combined training for all CR patients, and the need for closer monitoring and management of SBP, a critical disease driver in patients with DM, CAD, and CKD.

Diagnostic group differences in return to work and subsequent detachment from employment following cardiovascular disease: a nationwide cohort study.

Return to work and employment maintenance following cardiovascular disease (CVD) are important rehabilitation goals for people of working age. To identify people in particular need of vocational rehabilitation, we examined differences in return to work and subsequent detachment from employment among people with atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF), heart valve disease, and ischaemic heart disease. We conducted a nationwide cohort study and included all individuals of working age (35-65 years) who were employed when diagnosed with incident CVD in 2018. We estimated sex- and age-standardized probabilities of remaining employed at 3, 6, and 12 months after diagnosis, and of detachment from employment within 6 months after having returned to work. Of 46 912 individuals diagnosed in 2018, 8187 were of working age and employed at diagnosis. The mean age was 54.7 years (SD = 6.7), and 74.0% were men. Within 1 year, 89.8% had returned to work, but within the subsequent 6 months, 23.5% of these experienced detachment from employment. At 3, 6, and 12 months after diagnosis the highest standardized probability of being employed was found among people with AF, whereas the lowest probability was found among people with HF {78.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 77.3-80.4] vs. 62.2% [95% CI: 59.0-65.4] at 12 months}. Similarly, the highest probability of detachment was found for people with HF [30.3% (95% CI: 26.9-33.7)]. People with HF present the highest probability of not returning to work. There is a need for developing and documenting effects of vocational rehabilitation strategies within comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programmes.

RETRACTED: Organizational and patient-level predictors for attaining key risk factor targets in cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction: The Perfect-CR study

BackgroundBenefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programme components on attaining risk factor targets post-myocardial infarction (MI) and their predictive strength relative to patient characteristics remain unclear. We aimed to identify organizational and patient-level predictors of risk factor target attainment at one-year post-MI. MethodsIn this observational study data on CR organization at 78 Swedish CR centres was collected and merged with patient-level registry data (n = 7549). Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis identified predictors (Variables of Importance for the Projection (VIP) values >0.8) of attaining low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) <1.8 mmol/L, blood pressure (BP) <140/90 mmHg and smoking abstinence. ResultsThe strongest predictors (VIP [95% CI]) for attaining LDL-C and BP targets were offering psychosocial management (2.14 [1.78–2.50]; 2.45 [1.91–2.99]), having a psychologist in the CR team (1.62 [1.36–1.87]; 2.05 [1.67–2.44]), extended opening hours (2.13 [2.00–2.27]; 1.50 [0.91–2.10]), adequate facilities (1.54 [0.91–2.18]; 1.89 [1.38–2.40]), and having a medical director (1.70 [0.91–2.48]; 1.46 [1.04–1.88]). The strongest patient-level predictors of attaining LDL-C and/or BP targets were low baseline LDL-C (3.95 [3.39–4.51]) and having no history of hypertension (2.93 [2.60–3.26]), respectively, followed by exercise-based CR participation (1.38 [0.66–2.10]; 1.46 [1.14–1.78]). For smoking abstinence, the strongest organizational predictor was varenicline being prescribed by CR physicians (1.88 [0.95–2.80]) and patient-level predictors were participation in exercise-based CR (2.47 [2.07–2.88]) and group education (1.92 [1.43–2-42]), and no cardiovascular disease history (2.13 [1.78–2.48]). ConclusionsWe identified multiple CR organizational and patient-level predictors of attaining risk factor targets post-MI. These results may influence the future design of comprehensive CR programmes.

Impact of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme versus coronary revascularization in patients with stable angina pectoris: protocol for the PRO-FIT randomised controlled trial

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): ZonMW: The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development Background Stable angina pectoris (SAP) is a highly common condition. Despite optimal medical treatment (OMT) patients often remain symptomatic and at high risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In daily practice the standard treatment consists of OMT usually followed by an invasive strategy, consisting of coronary angiography and subsequent coronary revascularization. However, recent studies showed that these costly and invasive procedures do not result in superior effects on re-events and prognosis as compared to drug therapy alone in patients with SAP. On the other hand, the effect of lifestyle-related interventions on vascular function and the progression of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is well-known. Yet, contemporary RCTs comparing lifestyle interventions with coronary revascularization in patients with SAP are lacking. Purpose To compare the impact of a 12-month cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programme versus a routinely applied invasive approach (including coronary angiography and subsequent coronary revascularization) on anginal complaints and cost-effectiveness in SAP patients. We hypothesize that CR is at least equally effective as an invasive approach. Methods 216 SAP patients with residual anginal complaints under OMT will be randomized to usual care or a 12-month CR intervention aiming at angina relief and sustainable behavioural change for long-lasting improvement in cardiovascular health. The CR programme consists of multiple lifestyle interventions including an exercise programme, a dietary intervention and a psychoeducation module with a stepped decline in guidance by health care professionals. Patients in the CR group will receive access to an online platform, a chatbot and a smartwatch enabling patients and professionals to monitor the progress and adherence to lifestyle advices. During the first 3 months patients will receive face to face guidance, the next 3 months will consist of telerehabilitation using the smartwatch with weekly video consulting and the last 6 months will be focussed on relapse prevention and guidance on demand. The primary outcome will be the quantity of anginal complaints (evaluated by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire-7) following the 12-month intervention. Secondary outcomes include cost-effectiveness, the ischemic threshold during exercise, cardiovascular events, exercise capacity, quality of life and psychosocial wellbeing. Future implications This will be the first study evaluating a comprehensive disease-specific multimodal lifestyle intervention as a primary treatment for patients with SAP. If proven successful this study will have a great impact on the daily care of these patients as coronary revascularizations can partly be replaced by a less invasive, less costly and better sustainable treatment.