Improving positive emotions and physical activity after heart events
A Novel Psychological-behavioral Intervention to Promote Physical Activity After Acute Coronary Syndrome
This study is trying out a new program that combines positive thinking and motivation to help people recovering from heart events get more active and feel better compared to regular care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 280 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 95 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05412862 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests a 12-week intervention using positive psychology and motivational interviewing delivered remotely to patients recovering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Participants will receive additional text messages over 24 weeks to encourage physical activity and monitor their progress. The goal is to compare the effectiveness of this intervention against standard post-ACS treatment in improving physical activity, psychological well-being, and cardiovascular health outcomes. The study will enroll 280 patients who have low baseline physical activity levels following their ACS event.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have experienced an acute coronary syndrome event and demonstrate low levels of physical activity.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive deficits, severe depression, or other medical conditions that prevent participation in physical activity may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance recovery and quality of life for patients after acute coronary syndrome by promoting physical activity and positive emotions.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using motivational interviewing and positive psychology to improve health outcomes, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ACS (myocardial infarction or unstable angina) * Suboptimal physical activity (score of \< 6 on the Medical Outcomes study Specific Adherence Scale item related to physical activity) Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive deficits (assessed via a 6-item cognitive screening tool) * Medical conditions likely to lead to death within 6 months. * Moderate-severe depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 \[PHQ-9\] score ≥15) * Inability to participate in physical activity due to another medical condition (e.g., arthritis) * Inability to read, write, or speak in English * Inability to receive text-messages * Current participation in another intervention or program that has been designed to promote well-being or physical activity
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jeff C Huffman, M.D. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jeff C Huffman, M.D.
- Email: jhuffman@partners.org
- Phone: 617-724-2910
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.