A Smartphone-Based Model of Care to Support Patients With Cardiac Disease Transitioning From Hospital to the Community (TeleClinical Care): Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or heart failure (HF) are frequently readmitted. This is the first randomized controlled trial of a mobile health intervention that combines telemonitoring and education for inpatients with ACS or HF to prevent readmission.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of a smartphone app-based model of care (TeleClinical Care [TCC]) in patients discharged after ACS or HF admission.

High-intensity interval training for patients with coronary artery disease: Finding the optimal balance.

Background: The optimal characteristics of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) within cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are unclear. We assessed a HIIT protocol designed to balance patient safety, efficacy and enjoyment.

Methods: Twenty-nine patients with CAD completed 6-weeks (× 2 sessions per week) of HIIT within outpatient (phase 2) CR.

Evaluation of an mHealth-Based Adjunct to Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation.

A pilot study was conducted to determine if a smartphone-based adjunct to standard care could increase the completion rate of a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP). Based on historical completion rates, 66 participants who were about to commence a hospital-based CRP were randomized so that half received three devices embedded with near-field communication, namely, a smartphone [pre-installed with an application (app) designed specifically for cardiac rehabilitation], portable blood pressure monitor, and weight scale while completing the CRP. The completion rate among participants who were randomized to the intervention group was 88%, compared to 67% in the control group ( = 0.

High Intensity Interval versus Moderate Intensity Continuous Training in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Meta-analysis of Physiological and Clinical Parameters.

Introduction: Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) significantly improves their outcome, although the optimal mode of exercise training remains undetermined. Previous analyses have been constrained by small sample sizes and a limited focus on clinical parameters. Further, results from previous studies have been contradicted by a recently published large RCT.

Exploring the role of music therapy in cardiac rehabilitation after cardiothoracic surgery: a qualitative study using the Bonny method of guided imagery and music.

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation integrates physical, psychological, and vocational strategies to restore and sustain optimal health.

Objective: An innovative study using music therapy (Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music [BMGIM]) explored the experiences of cardiac rehabilitation participants in an outpatient setting at 2 major metropolitan teaching hospitals.

Methods: Commencing 6 to 15 weeks after cardiothoracic surgery, 6 study participants were recruited for 6 weekly music therapy (BMGIM) sessions.