Device-based 24-hour movement behaviours in adult phase III cardiac rehabilitation service-users during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods prospective observational study

To examine changes in device-based 24-hour movement behaviours (MB), and facilitators and barriers to physical activity (PA) and exercise, during remotely-delivered cardiac rehabilitation (RDCR).

This prospective observational study used wrist-worn GENEActiv accelerometers to assess MB of 10 service-users (63 ± 10 years) at the start, middle, and end of three-months of RDCR. Barriers and facilitators to PA and exercise were explored through self-report diaries and analysed using content analysis.

At start, service-users were sedentary for 12.6 ± 0.7 h $·$ day^-1 and accumulated most PA at a light-intensity (133.52 ± 28.57 min $·$ day^-1) - neither changed significantly during RDCR. Sleep efficiency significantly reduced from start (88.80 ± 4.2%) to the end (86.1 ± 4.76%) of CR, with values meeting health-based recommendations (≥85%). Barriers to RDCR exercise included exertional discomfort and cardiac symptoms, and reduced confidence when exercising alone. Setting meaningful PA goals, self-monitoring health targets, and having social support, facilitated PA and exercise during RDCR.

Our RDCR programme failed to elicit significant changes in MB or sleep. To increase the likelihood of successful RDCR, it is important to promote a variety of exercise and PA options, target sedentary time, and apply theory to RDCR design, delivery, and support strategies.