A new approach to encourage physical activity after heart attacks
Official title: A novel psychological-behavioral intervention to promote physical activity after acute coronary syndrome
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10873805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a friendly phone program can help heart patients feel better and get moving more after a heart event, making it easier for them to set and reach their personal activity goals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $800,906 |
| NIH project number | 5R33HL158529-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently experienced an acute coronary syndrome and are looking to improve their physical activity levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not recovering from an acute coronary syndrome or those who are unable to engage in physical activity due to other medical conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a combined approach using motivational interviewing and positive psychology to help patients increase their physical activity after experiencing an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It recognizes that many patients struggle to engage in adequate physical activity post-ACS, despite its benefits for recovery. By utilizing telephone-delivered motivational interviewing and positive psychology techniques, the study aims to enhance patients' psychological well-being and set personalized activity goals, ultimately promoting a more active lifestyle. The intervention is designed to be accessible and supportive for patients recovering from heart-related issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve recovery outcomes and quality of life for patients after a heart attack by increasing their physical activity levels.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that motivational interviewing and positive psychology interventions can effectively increase physical activity in patients with medical conditions, suggesting a promising avenue for this combined approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huffman, Jeff C — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Huffman, Jeff C
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.