Feasibility of the aktivplan Digital Health Intervention for Regular Physical Activity Following Phase II...

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) secondary prevention
• Behavioral science in health

Background:

• Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) struggle with maintaining heart-healthy habits post-cardiac rehabilitation.
• Digital health technologies offer potential for sustained habit formation in CVD secondary prevention.
• The aktivplan intervention is a digital health tool designed to support long-term physical activity in CVD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot and assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) for the aktivplan intervention.
• To evaluate the usability, user experience, and acceptance of the aktivplan app.
• To collect preliminary clinical and safety outcomes for future research.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, mixed-method, randomized controlled pilot study involving 40 patients with CVD or at risk.
• Participants were allocated to the aktivplan intervention or standard care for 10 weeks post-rehabilitation.
• Data included recruitment/dropout rates, adherence, usability, clinical assessments, and qualitative interviews/focus groups.

Main Results:

• 34 participants were recruited between October 2023 and May 2024.
• Data collection concluded in August 2024, with analysis ongoing.
• Feasibility results are anticipated for publication by summer 2025.

Conclusions:

• The pilot study is expected to provide crucial insights for designing a definitive effectiveness trial of aktivplan.
• Findings will guide necessary app iterations before a full-scale trial.
• The study will inform future implementation strategies for the digital health intervention.