Abstract P276: Activity Tracker Increases Daily Step Count Post-Cardiac Rehabilitation Compared to Placebo Device
Introduction: Despite optimal levels of physical activity (PA) among patients immediately post-cardiac rehabilitation, little is known about PA levels long-term. Further, interventions to maintain recommended PA levels and functional capacity achieved during cardiac rehabilitation are lacking. Objective: To test the effect of wearing a Garmin vÍvofit for 3 months post-cardiac rehabilitation on PA levels and functional capacity compared to a placebo device. Methods: Change in daily step count and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were assessed over 3 months using the vÍvofit activity tracker in 35 patients (mean age 62±8 years; 83% male; 94% Caucasian) post-cardiac rehabilitation. Goal was 10,000 steps for all participants. Patients were randomized into the control or intervention group with control devices displaying a digital clock. VÍvofit step data were recorded continuously; the 6MWT was conducted at 0, 9, 12, and 15 weeks. Comparisons between the 2 groups were made using test of proportions, t-test, and logistic and linear regression. Results: Control and intervention groups were balanced with respect to age, gender, education, baseline step count, and body composition. Although all participants exhibited above average daily step counts (>8,000 steps at 3, 9, and 15 weeks); step counts for intervention group participants were higher at 3, 9, and 15 weeks (by 2,537 steps, 2,022 steps, and 1,545 steps, respectively). Intervention group participants (N=17) increased the distance covered during the 6MWT by 138 feet (sd=28), compared to a 48 foot (sd=18) improvement among control group participants (p=0.500); although not statistically significant, but perhaps clinically relevant. Conclusion: These data provide preliminary support for using wrist-worn activity tracking devices to continuously monitor and maintain PA levels post-cardiac rehabilitation. There is a need for larger trials testing the effectiveness of these devices with a more diverse sample over a longer period of time. Wrist worn activity tracking devices should be coupled with other components known to support long-term behavior change (e.g., social support and text messaging) to develop effective interventions for secondary cardiovascular disease prevention.