Effect of Adding a Program of Contextualized, Personalized, Remote Physical Activity Support to Conventional Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this investigation was to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether KiActiv Heart alongside usual care (UC) promotes positive physical activity (PA) change versus UC alone. Methods: Patients in cardiac rehabilitation (n = 130) undertook an 8-wk intervention with follow-up at wk 8. Both groups attended UC and wore a PA monitor during the intervention. The intervention group accessed the digital service and received weekly one-to-one remote mentor sessions. The primary outcome was change in PA to achieve the Association of Certified Physiotherapists in Cardiac Rehabilitation (ACPICR) recommendations. The secondary outcome was cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) change, measured using incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT). Results: The probability of meeting ACPICR “Daily Activity” recommendation was statistically significantly greater in the intervention group versus control at wk 8 (P < .05). No statistically significant differences between groups were found for mean ISWT change (intervention 89 ± 116 m; control 44 ± 124 m). Conclusion: Participation in KiActiv Heart alongside UC was associated with statistically significant improvement in probability of meeting ACPICR recommendation and non-statistically significant but potentially clinically important increases in CRF versus UC alone. This builds on existing evidence for effectiveness.