Improving Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation for Veterans Using Virtual Care

Virtual Care Strategies to Improve Participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation Among Veterans

PHASE2 · VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05423158

This study tests whether a home-based heart rehab program with digital coaching can help veterans with heart issues stay engaged and active compared to regular rehab.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development (fed)
Locations2 sites (San Francisco, California and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05423158 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a home-based cardiac rehabilitation program enhanced with digital coaching for veterans with cardiovascular diseases. The intervention combines traditional home-based rehabilitation with virtual social support and interactive multimedia education to improve engagement and adherence. Participants will receive personalized feedback and motivation through a mobile application, aiming to increase their self-efficacy and long-term physical activity. The study compares the outcomes of standard home-based rehabilitation against the enhanced program with digital coaching.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans aged 21 and older with a history of cardiovascular disease who have been referred for home-based cardiac rehabilitation.

Not a fit: Patients currently participating in center-based cardiac rehabilitation or those with cognitive impairments or unstable clinical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly increase participation and completion rates in cardiac rehabilitation among veterans, leading to better health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that home-based cardiac rehabilitation programs can be effective, but the integration of digital coaching and virtual support is a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 21 years of age
2. History of cardiovascular disease that qualified participant for CR (MI, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting, heart failure, valve surgery)
3. Referral to participate in home-based Phase II CR.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participation in center-based Phase II CR.
2. Cognitive impairment (per Mini-Cog)
3. Lack of English proficiency/literacy (Digital coaching will be conducted in English. Participants will need to speak/read English to receive intervention.)
4. Unstable clinical conditions (e.g., unstable arrhythmias or heart block, active infection, uncontrolled hypertension, decompensated heart failure, unstable angina, etc.)

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cardiovascular Diseases, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Telemedicine, Telerehabilitation, Veterans

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.