Efficacy and Safety of Remote Cardiac Rehabilitation in the Recovery Phase of Cardiovascular Diseases: Protocol for a Multicenter, Nonrandomized, Single-Arm, Interventional Trial

Abstract

BackgroundConventional group-based outpatient cardiac rehabilitation through monitoring and center-based approaches for patients in the recovery phase has shown strong evidence for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, there are some cases in which maintaining attendance of center-based cardiac rehabilitation is difficult. ObjectiveThis study aims to ascertain the safety and efficacy of remote cardiac rehabilitation (RCR) in the recovery phase in patients with cardiovascular disease. MethodsPatients satisfying the study criteria will be recruited from multiple institutions (approximately 30) across Japan. In total, 75 patients (approximately 2 or 3 patients from each institution) are proposed to be recruited. Patients enrolled in the RCR group will be lent devices necessary for RCR (including calibrated ergometers and tablets). Patients will perform anaerobic exercise at home using ergometer for 30-40 minutes at least 3 times weekly. During exercise, an instructor will monitor the patient in real time (using interactive video tools and monitoring tools for various vital data). Moreover, educational instructions will be given 3 times weekly using e-learning methods. ResultsThe primary endpoint is the peak oxygen uptake 2-3 months from the start of exercise or 6-min walk test. The extracted data will be compared between RCR patients and controls without RCR. ConclusionsThe establishment of the system of RCR proposed in this study will lead to the development of more extensive applications, which have been insufficient through conventional interventions. Trial RegistrationUniversity Hospital Medical Information Network—Clinical Trials Registry UMIN–CTR UMIN000042942; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000048983 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/30725