Understanding Baseline Physical Activity in Cardiac Rehabilitation Enrollees Using Mobile Health Technologies

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Digital Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Understanding baseline physical activity is crucial for patients starting cardiac rehabilitation.
• Current knowledge on pre-rehabilitation activity levels is limited.
• Mobile health technology offers a novel approach to assess this activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess baseline physical activity in patients initiating cardiac rehabilitation using mobile health technology.
• To identify patient-level factors associated with baseline physical activity.
• To inform the development of personalized cardiac rehabilitation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, randomized-controlled trial (VALENTINE study).
• Remote assessment of physical activity using smartwatches (6-minute walk distance, daily steps, exercise minutes).
• Multivariable linear regression to identify associated patient characteristics.

Main Results:

• 220 participants enrolled; mostly White, with a significant proportion over 65 years old.
• Common conditions included coronary artery disease, heart failure, and post-surgical recovery.
• Mean baseline values: 6-minute walk distance (489.6m), daily steps (6845), exercise minutes (37.5).
• Age and sex were associated with 6-minute walk distance; sex was associated with step count and exercise minutes.

Conclusions:

• Significant variability exists in baseline physical activity among cardiac rehabilitation patients.
• Mobile health technology provides valuable insights into patient activity levels.
• Personalized rehabilitation programs informed by mobile health data may enhance recovery.