Overview

The proposed research seeks to determine whether virtual coaching and social support focusing on key social cognitive factors will be an effective strategy for maintaining physical activity (PA) after completing cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Despite the well-documented benefits of CR, only 15-50% of individuals continue to exercise 6 months after completing CR.4-6 Thus, after 36 sessions (typically 12 weeks), many patients are left without the support necessary to sustain physical activity (PA) and prevent adverse secondary cardiac events. Though previous research has explored interventions to sustain PA after CR, many studies have been lacking in a theoretical basis, objective measurement of PA, measurement, and analysis of psychosocial and social cognitive factors, and long-term impact on clinical outcomes. Low-cost, pragmatic approaches to maintaining PA after CR is urgently needed for older adults, and virtual technologies offer promising solutions to promote adherence to PA. The three specific aims of the project are to: 1) determine the effect of virtual coaching and social support on adherence to PA (measured by objective step counts) in the intervention vs. control groups; secondary measures will be amount of sedentary time, functional fitness, and self-reported exercise; 2) determine the effect of virtual coaching and social support on psychosocial and social cognitive factors in the intervention vs. control groups; 2a) evaluate the extent to which psychosocial and social cognitive factors mediate the effect of the intervention on PA adherence; 3) examine differences in cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors (blood pressure, lipids, HbA1c, BMI) between groups.

Eligibility

Study population: We will recruit 286 older adults who are 55 years and older with qualifying diagnoses for cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥ 55 years of age
2. History of CVD that qualified patient for CR (myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting, heart failure, valve replacement, etc.)
3. Adherence (>50% of sessions for ≥1 month) to outpatient Phase II CR and pending completion

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participation in Phase III CR (optional extended CR after outpatient Phase II CR for those who pay out-of-pocket)
2. Cognitive impairment (per Mini-Cog assessment tool with score 0-2)
3. Lack of English or Spanish proficiency/literacy
4. Clinical conditions including:
   1. Unstable arrhythmias, aortic stenosis, thrombophlebitis, dissecting aneurysm or symptomatic anemia
   2. Active infection
   3. Uncontrolled hypertension: resting systolic >180 mmHg, diastolic >100 mmHg
   4. Decompensated heart failure, NYHA Class III-IV
   5. Current unstable angina
   6. 2nd or 3rd degree heart block or exercise induced arrhythmias