Evaluating the Talk Test for Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation
An Evaluation of the Talk Test as an Effective and Safe Approach for Exercise Prescription for Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Pilot RCT
This study is testing if the Talk Test can help people with heart issues safely exercise at home after heart surgery, compared to the usual exercise testing methods.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05157932 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of the Talk Test as a tool for exercise prescription in patients with coronary artery disease who have recently undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The Talk Test is a practical method that estimates exercise intensity based on the ability to speak comfortably during physical activity. Participants will be enrolled in a home-based cardiac rehabilitation program with virtual monitoring, comparing the Talk Test approach to the standard cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). This evaluation is particularly relevant in the context of reducing in-person interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40 and older who have recently undergone PCI or CABG and have access to the necessary technology for virtual monitoring.
Not a fit: Patients with severe heart conditions or those currently participating in another cardiac rehabilitation program may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the accessibility and safety of cardiac rehabilitation for patients recovering from heart procedures.
How similar studies have performed: While the Talk Test has been validated in various exercise contexts, this specific application in home-based cardiac rehabilitation is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * recently underwent PCI or CABG (at least 4 weeks but less than 12 weeks post-event or procedure); * able to perform a CPET; * at least 40 years of age; * access to MyChart; and, * access to email and the internet * access to a cellphone with broadband internet (4G, LTE, 5G). Exclusion Criteria: * currently participating in a virtual or on-site CR program; * ventricular ejection fraction ≤45%; * unstable angina or established diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe mitral or aortic stenosis, or hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy; * unable to return for 12-week follow-up visits.
Where this trial is running
Ottawa, Ontario
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jennifer Reed, PhD
- Email: jreed@ottawaheart.ca
- Phone: 6136967392
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.