Effectiveness of Distance Technology in Promoting Physical Activity in Cardiovascular Disease Rehabilitation: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial, A Pilot Study.
Sanna Hakala, Heikki Kivistö, Teemu Paajanen and 4 others
PMID 34142970WHAT IT FOUND
Adding a Fitbit and app to standard cardiac rehab increased light activity in the first six months but not moderate-to-vigorous activity or step counts.
No benefits persisted after twelve months, and adherence to the software was low.
Key findings
01The experimental group showed a greater increase in light physical activity compared to the control group during the first six months.
02There were no significant differences between groups in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity or steps per day at six months, nor any differences at twelve months.
03Participants reported low active use of the internet software and frequent technical challenges or forgetting to use the device.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study was a pilot with a small sample size of 59 participants, limiting the generalizability of the findings. Participants were not blinded to the intervention, which could influence behavior. Adherence to the digital components was low, with many participants reporting technical challenges or forgetting to use the devices. The positive effect on light activity was not sustained at twelve months. Physical activity was measured over only one week at each time point, which may not capture long-term patterns.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was conducted in Finland and approved by the local Ethics Committee.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that adding a Fitbit and app to cardiac rehabilitation will increase patients' vigorous exercise or step counts. The study found no significant difference in these primary intensity measures, and the only positive effect on light activity disappeared by twelve months.