Effectiveness of a Hybrid Cardiac Rehabilitation Program: A PRAGMATIC RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is crucial for post-cardiac event recovery.
• Traditional CR programs involve consistent in-center sessions.
• Hybrid CR models offer a blend of in-center and home-based care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of a hybrid CR program against a traditional CR program.
• To evaluate the long-term impact of a hybrid CR program on physical activity, functional capacity, HRQoL, and mental health.

Main Methods:

• A pragmatic randomized clinical trial across nine centers.
• 12-week programs: traditional (in-center twice weekly) vs. hybrid (6 weeks in-center, 6 weeks home-based).
• Outcomes assessed: physical activity, functional capacity, HRQoL, anxiety, and depression at baseline, end-of-program, and 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• No significant differences between hybrid and traditional CR for most outcomes, except HRQoL.
• Both groups demonstrated significant improvements from baseline to discharge.
• Benefits were maintained at 6-month follow-up, with no significant changes or between-group differences.

Conclusions:

• Hybrid and traditional CR programs yield comparable effectiveness for most outcomes.
• Both CR approaches lead to significant, sustained improvements in patient health.
• The hybrid model offers a viable alternative to traditional CR, maintaining long-term benefits.