Sex Differences in Barriers and Participation in Physical Activity During and Following Cardiac Rehabilitation

Duke University150 enrolled

Overview

The SPARC study will measure physical activity and functional fitness during cardiac rehabilitation, right after completion of cardiac rehabilitation, and 6 months later. This will help investigators learn if men and women maintain physical activity levels and functional fitness differently during and after they complete cardiac rehabilitation. Participants in this study will have three in-person study visits and may complete two qualitative interviews over a 10-month study period. The greatest risks during the study include physical discomfort, falling, and/or shortness of breath during the fitness testing.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

150

Conditions

Cardiac Rehabilitation Heart Disease

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age \> 18 years * Enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation within the last month * Own a smartphone or tablet for mobile application download Exclusion Criteria: * Planned relocation during the study period out of the local area * Planned medical procedure within the study period that may limit physical activity (i.e., joint replacement) * End-stage kidney disease * Impairment from stroke, injury, or other medical conditions that would prevent participation in or completion of the protocol * Heart transplant * Use of a left ventricular assist device * Pregnant or intending to become pregnant during the study period * Any other illness that, in the opinion of the study physician, would negatively impact or mitigate participation in or completion of the protocol

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Average Daily Step Count

Calculated as an average of daily steps achieved over the previous week at each timepoint.

Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 9 months

Secondary Outcomes

Average moderate-to-vigorous physical activity minutes per week

Self-reported moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity minutes per week using the Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Time frame: 9 months