Virtual World Cardiac Rehab to Boost Heart Health for Cardiac Patients
Official title: Virtual World-based Cardiac Rehabilitation to Promote Data-Powered Cardiovascular Health Among Cardiac Patients: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11414849 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A nationwide study will test a 12-week virtual world-based cardiac rehab program against standard center-based rehab to see if it improves heart health and participation for adults with heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $373,996 |
| NIH project number | 5R01LM014760-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11414849 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cardiovascular disease who are candidates for cardiac rehabilitation and can participate in virtual-world activities.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals unable to engage with virtual-world technologies or participate in home-based rehab may see no benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a 12-week rehabilitation program delivered in a virtual world, where participants interact as avatars to guide heart-healthy behaviors. It compares the virtual world approach with usual center-based rehab to determine which method better supports adherence and improves a composite heart-health score. The study uses a hybrid design to measure real-world effectiveness in multiple centers, focusing on patients’ daily routines, engagement, and outcomes. Results could inform how digital, immersive environments help people with cardiovascular disease access and benefit from rehab.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience easier access to rehab, better adherence, and improved heart-health metrics through a flexible, home-based virtual program.
How similar studies have gone: Previous evidence supports virtual and home-based rehab approaches; this trial evaluates a novel 3-D avatar-based delivery against standard care in a rigorous randomized design.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brewer, Laprincess C — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Brewer, Laprincess 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.