Do men and women maintain physical activity and fitness during and after cardiac rehabilitation?
Sex Differences in Barriers and Participation in Physical Activity During and Following Cardiac Rehabilitation
This project will test whether men and women enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation keep up their physical activity and fitness during rehab and in the six months after completing it.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT07214350 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The SPARC protocol tracks physical activity and functional fitness for adults enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation by collecting data during rehab, immediately after completion, and six months later. Participants complete three in-person study visits, may take part in up to two qualitative interviews, and use a mobile app on their smartphone or tablet to support activity tracking. Fitness testing is done in person and carries common risks such as physical discomfort, falling, or shortness of breath. Investigators will compare activity and fitness patterns by sex to identify whether men and women differ in maintaining gains from cardiac rehabilitation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adult patients (18+) who have started cardiac rehabilitation within the past month and can use a smartphone or tablet are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mobility limitations, end-stage kidney disease, recent stroke-related impairment, heart transplant or LVAD, those planning to relocate, or anyone with a medical condition that would prevent completing the protocol are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could help tailor cardiac rehabilitation programs so men and women have better long-term activity and fitness outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior observational work has reported sex differences in activity after cardiac events, but this focused longitudinal tracking during and after formal cardiac rehabilitation is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \> 18 years * Enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation within the last month * Own a smartphone or tablet for mobile application download Exclusion Criteria: * Planned relocation during the study period out of the local area * Planned medical procedure within the study period that may limit physical activity (i.e., joint replacement) * End-stage kidney disease * Impairment from stroke, injury, or other medical conditions that would prevent participation in or completion of the protocol * Heart transplant * Use of a left ventricular assist device * Pregnant or intending to become pregnant during the study period * Any other illness that, in the opinion of the study physician, would negatively impact or mitigate participation in or completion of the protocol
Where this trial is running
Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Center for Living — Durham, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katherine A. Collins-Bennett, PhD — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Katherine A Collins-Bennett, PhD
- Email: katherine.collins-bennett@duke.edu
- Phone: 919-479-2368
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.