Article

The CardioFit Internet-based expert system was designed to promote
physical activity in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) who were not
participating in cardiac rehabilitation. DESIGN: This randomized controlled trial
compared CardioFit to usual care to assess its effects on physical activity
following hospitalization for acute coronary syndromes.
METHODS: A total of 223
participants were recruited at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute or London
Health Sciences Centre and randomly assigned to either CardioFit (n = 115) or
usual care (n = 108).
The CardioFit group received a personally tailored
physical-activity plan upon discharge from the hospital and access to a secure
website for activity planning and tracking. They completed five online tutorials
over a 6-month period and were in email contact with an exercise specialist.
Usual care consisted of physical activity guidance from an attending
cardiologist. Physical activity was measured by pedometer and self-reported over
a 7-day period, 6 and 12 months after randomization. RESULTS: The CardioFit
Internet-based physical activity expert system significantly increased
objectively measured (p = 0.023) and self-reported physical activity (p = 0.047)
compared to usual care. Emotional (p = 0.038) and physical (p = 0.031) dimensions
of heart disease health-related quality of life were also higher with CardioFit
compared to usual care. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CHD using an Internet-based
activity prescription with online coaching were more physically active at follow
up than those receiving usual care. Use of the CardioFit program could extend the
reach of rehabilitation and secondary-prevention services.

Langue : ANGLAIS