25 The STRENGTH study: self-management and theory-based rehabilitation encouraging new gateways to healthy-hearts

<h3>Background</h3> Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Guidelines recommend that all CHD patients should be offered cardiac rehabilitation (CR) which includes exercise programmes, education, and ongoing support within both clinical and community settings. CR programmes reduce the risk of death and illness, but it is likely that patients will stop exercising without enough support, therefore, it is essential to find ways to encourage CHD patients to stay active both during and after taking part in CR programmes. <h3>Aim</h3> The aim of this project was to translate behaviour change research into current maintenance stage (Phase IV) CR services. The hypothesis is that by adding a lifestyle change programme promoting self-efficacy, physical activity (PA) changes will be maintained following a CR programme. <h3>Methods</h3> A randomised controlled trial is currently being conducted to test the implementation and effect of the addition of a self-management behaviour change programme to the current maintenance stage CR programme. The study uses a stepped-wedge randomised cluster design. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, twelve weeks (end of maintenance stage CR programme) and six months after baseline. The primary outcomes will be steps per day and time spent in moderate-vigorous PA, measured using a validated ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer. A within-trial cost-utility analysis will be conducted to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the intervention in comparison with the control. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 96 participants have been recruited, with 43 allocated to the control and 53 to the intervention group. Data collection will be completed by the end of August with results available for presentation by the BACPR conference. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The study will evaluate and inform the use of behavioural change techniques in CR programmes. The results have the potential to benefit many patients with CHD throughout Northern Ireland and the UK.