Exploring the effects of a real-time cardiac telerehabilitation using wearable devices in people with coronary artery disease following a recent myocardial infarction: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract Background Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a non-pharmacological multidisciplinary program for individuals after myocardial infarction (MI), that offers multiple health benefits. One of the greatest barriers to CR participation is the travelling distance to the rehabilitation centre. Remotely monitored CR appears to be at least as effective in improving cardiovascular risk factors and exercise capacity as traditional centre-based CR. Nevertheless, the efficacy of a remotely monitored CR in people with recent MI has yet to be examined. Purpose The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to assess the effects of a real-time cardiac telerehabilitation monitored by wearable devices in people with recent MI. Methods Thirty people (8 women, 22 men) with CAD following a recent (i.e., < 4 week) MI were randomly allocated into two groups (online home-based and gym-based groups). The groups underwent a 26-week CR, thrice per week. All patients performed the baseline and 24 weeks follow up measurements where peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), mean daily steps, distance and calories were assessed. Results The online group showed improved in mean daily steps (P<0.05) and mean daily distance (P<0.05) at 24 weeks compared to the gym-based group. The paired sample t-test showed that all the assessed variables were statistically (P<0.001) improved for both groups at 24 weeks. Pearson’s r demonstrated positive correlations between VO2peak and mean daily distance (r= .375), and negative correlations between VO2peak and muscle (r= -.523) and fat masses (r= -.460). There was no exercise-induced adverse events during the study. Conclusion Our findings might indicate that a real-time online supervised CR exercise programme using wearable technology to monitor the hemodynamic responses in CAD post MI patients is equally effective to a gym-based exercise programme.Individualized scanwatch report