Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
The independent effect of traditional cardiac rehabilitation and the LEARN program on weight loss: a comparative
Sandeep Aggarwal1, Ross Arena, Linda Cuda
1Cardiac Wellness Institute of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. saggarwal@cardiologyconsultants.ca
Introduction:
Despite its numerous other benefits, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has not consistently proven to be an effective, although much needed, intervention for weight loss in the cardiovascular disease (CVD) population. Comparatively, the LEARN (Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitudes, Relationships, Nutrition) program appears to be an effective intervention for weight loss. The purpose of the present investigation was to compare changes in body weight in a CVD cohort consecutively participating in traditional CR and the LEARN program.
Methods:
Forty-four patients diagnosed with CVD (22 men/22 women) participated in a 12-week multidisciplinary CR program. All patients successfully completed the LEARN program following CR. Body mass index (BMI) and body weight were recorded immediately prior to and following both CR and LEARN.
Results:
The peak metabolic equivalents were significantly higher following CR (7.3 ± 1.6 vs 8.5 ± 1.6, P < .001), while body weight (203.5 ± 32.6 vs 201.8 ± 32.5 lbs, P > .10) and BMI (32.1 ± 4.0 vs 31.8 ± 3.9 kg/m, P > .05) were unchanged. All subjects then successfully completed the LEARN program, participating in an average of 10 sessions. There was a significant reduction in body weight (203.3 ± 30.7 vs 190.1 ± 30.4 lbs, P < .001) and BMI (32.0 ± 3.9 vs 29.5 ± 3.8 kg/m, P < .001) following the LEARN program.
Discussion:
Our results support the independent value of the LEARN program in eliciting weight loss for CR patients. Clinicians delivering CR services should consider integrating a focused weight loss program, such as LEARN, into their usual CR programs.
