Exercise Training Adherence After Cardiac Rehabilitation in Coronary Heart Disease Patients

Supported Home-based Exercise Training Versus Usual Care After Cardiac Rehabilitation. A Randomized Controlled Study

It is known that organized cardiac rehabilitation is effective in improving exercise capacity in coronary heart disease patients. Less is known about the long-term results after cardiac rehabilitation. Earlier studies have shown that many patients quit exercising when no longer attending formal rehabilitation. The investigators wish to investigate the effect of a maintenance program after ending a rehabilitation program, and to compare this to usual care. The investigators hypothesis is that the maintenance program will result in higher exercise capacity and more physical activity compared to usual care.

Patients will attend a "motivational exercise session" once monthly. They will also be tested (exercise test with measurement of peak oxygen uptake) every third months.

Usual care. The patients will receive the usual care provided by the hospital and community health services

The patients will meet for organized exercise training once monthly and also exercise testing every third month.

The change in peak oxygen uptake from baseline to 12 months after baseline. In the intervention group, the peak oxygen uptake will be measured also every 3 months during the intervention period, and this will be reported

Flow mediated dilatation of the brachial artery, measured by ultrasound. Changes in flow-mediated dilatation from baseline to 12 months after baseline will be recorded

Mac New health related quality of life questionnaire. Changes in quality of life from baseline to 12 months after baseline will be recorded

Lipoproteins, c-peptide, ferritin, glucose, high sensitive c-reactive protein will be analysed. Also, blood will be stored for later analyses not yet planned. Changes in markers from baseline to 12 months after baseline will be recorded

Questionnaire and physical activity sensor (armband) will be measured at baseline and after 12 months.

Inclusion Criteria: coronary heart disease patients Exclusion Criteria: unstable angina pectoris hemodynamic significant valve disease (> New York Heart Association class II) pregnancy left ventricular ejection fraction <30% kidney failure (creatinin > 140) uncontrolled hypertension

Madssen E, Arbo I, Granoien I, Walderhaug L, Moholdt T. Peak oxygen uptake after cardiac rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial of a 12-month maintenance program versus usual care. PLoS One. 2014 Sep 23;9(9):e107924. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107924. eCollection 2014.