Innovative program to increase physical activity following an acute coronary syndrome: randomized controlled trial

To evaluate the impact of a socio-cognitive intervention associated with a pedometer-based program on physical activity, cardiovascular risk factors and self-efficacy expectation during one year following an acute coronary syndrome.

Sixty-five subjects were randomized during hospitalization in an experimental or a usual care group. Average steps/day was measured every 3 months until one year following discharge. Other dependent variables were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months follow-up.

There were 32 patients in the experimental group and 33 patients in the usual care group. Group characteristics were comparable. At baseline, averages steps/day were similar between groups (5845±3246 vs. 6097±3055 steps/day; p=0.812). At 3-month follow-up, both groups increased their averages steps/day (p<0.05). This increase was higher in the experimental group (3388±844 vs. 1934±889 steps/day; p<0.001). At 12-month, interaction effects (group×time) in physical activity and waist circumference were different between groups (p<0.05), whereas self-efficacy expectation increased in both groups similarly (p<0.05).

The intervention is useful to improve average steps/day and waist circumference during the first year following an acute coronary syndrome.

This study supports development of the home-based cardiac rehabilitation program using socio-cognitive intervention associated with a pedometer after an acute coronary syndrome.