Effectiveness of Text Messaging as an Incentive to Maintain Physical Activity after Cardiac Rehabilitation: A...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is effective, but patient adherence to long-term physical activity (PA) remains a challenge.
• Few studies have explored post-CR interventions, like text messaging, to sustain patient engagement in PA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of daily text message reminders on physical activity adherence after a CR program.
• To compare the outcomes of an intervention group (IG) receiving text messages with a usual care control group (CG).

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled pilot trial involving 32 subjects over a three-month follow-up period.
• Intervention group received daily PA text message reminders; control group received usual care.
• Assessments included GPAQ, exercise testing, strength tests, and patient surveys.

Main Results:

• The IG showed a significant increase in moderate PA time (Δ 244.7 min, p < 0.001) and reduction in sedentary time (Δ -77.5 min, p = 0.004) compared to CG.
• Improvements in heart rate, blood pressure, and exercise test ratings (CR10) were observed in the IG.
• The IG maintained strength parameters, evidenced by a significant improvement in the 30 s sit-to-stand test compared to CG (p = 0.03).

Conclusions:

• Daily text messages are an effective, inexpensive adjuvant for improving adherence to regular physical activity post-CR.
• The telemedical intervention was well-received, enhancing patients' willingness to continue PA.
• Further large-scale, long-term studies are warranted to confirm these findings.