Do men and women maintain physical activity and fitness during and after cardiac rehabilitation?

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.