Remote maintenance cardiac rehabilitation (MAINTAIN): A protocol for a randomised feasibility study

Abstract

Background Long-term adherence to exercise is often poor for people with coronary heart disease (CHD) who have completed supervised, centre-based cardiac rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of a remotely prescribed, delivered and monitored cardiac rehabilitation intervention using a wearable device to support long-term adherence to exercise and physical activity during maintenance of cardiac rehabilitation. Methods After completing cardiac rehabilitation, 30 participants with CHD, will be randomised (1:1) to an intervention ( n = 15) or a usual care group ( n = 15) in a 12-month feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT). The intervention will comprise of an exercise consultation, personalised exercise prescription delivered via a wearable activity monitor using biometric feedback, regular monitoring via check-ins, and feedback text-messages for 6-months. Participants will be assessed at baseline (following completion of cardiac rehabilitation) and at three-, six-, and 12-months post-randomisation. The primary outcome will be feasibility, including assessment of eligibility, recruitment, adherence, and acceptability. Secondary outcomes will include exercise capacity, physical activity behaviours, cardiovascular disease risk and quality of life. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted at three-, six-, and 12-months post-randomisation (and with those who drop-out) to explore the acceptability of the study intervention and procedures. A questionnaire will be offered to those who decline participation. Discussion The MAINTAIN study will evaluate the feasibility of conducting a future definitive multi-centre RCT testing a remotely prescribed and monitored long-term mHealth maintenance exercise programme, versus usual care, for people with CHD who have completed cardiac rehabilitation. Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05292287. Registered on 22/03/2022

Mobile health biometrics to prescribe immediate remote physical activity for enhancing uptake to cardiac rehabilitation (MOTIVATE-CR+): protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial

“…HR monitors provide objective personalised data that account for age, body mass and fitness9 and are related to exercise intensity regardless of the type of activity being performed 10. Current research studies (https://www.motivateljmu.com/about) in healthy sedentary individuals, people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and stage 4 CR have explored the acceptability and efficacy of exercise and PA counselling programmes supported by mHealth technologies that provide biometric feedback and coaching to patients and health professionals 8 11. Biometric data such as HR are recorded through a wrist worn fitness tracker to inform exercise counselling delivered by healthcare professionals.…”