Remote exercise program for heart rehabilitation after a heart attack

Remote Exercise SWEDEHEART Study - a Multicentre Registry-based Cluster Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial (RRCT)

Not applicable Interventional Sahlgrenska University Hospital · NCT04260958

This study tests if a remote video exercise program can help people recover after a heart attack just as well as traditional in-person rehab.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 79 Years
SexAll
SponsorSahlgrenska University Hospital Academic / other
Locations26 sites (Borås and 25 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04260958 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of remote video exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (exCR) as an alternative to traditional center-based rehabilitation for patients recovering from a myocardial infarction. It consists of two phases: a national feasibility study to assess safety and participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a multicenter randomized crossover trial comparing remote and center-based rehabilitation options. Patients will have the choice of participating in remote exCR, traditional rehabilitation, or a combination of both, with long-term follow-up planned for one and three years post-event.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-79 who have experienced a type 1 myocardial infarction and can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with severe heart conditions, significant arrhythmias, or those lacking internet access for remote participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly increase patient participation in cardiac rehabilitation, leading to improved recovery outcomes after a heart attack.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with remote rehabilitation approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Written informed consent
* Diagnosis of type 1 myocardial infarction (AMI)
* Age 18-79 years at discharge from hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with incomplete coronary revascularization defined as at least one remaining hemodynamically significant stenosis
* Severe valve or structural heart disease
* Severe heart failure (NYHA III - IV)
* Serious arrythmias
* Inability to understand Swedish
* No internet access at home (only applicable for patients in the intervention group who wants to perform remote exCR)
* Pathological exercise test indicating high risk for adverse events during exCR
* More than 6 months between discharge form hospital and screening
* Any other condition that may interfere with the possibility for the patient to comply with the study protocol

Where this trial is running

Borås and 25 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.
Conditions Myocardial InfarctionExercise-based cardiac rehabilitationSecondary preventionEHealthTelerehabilitationPhysical fitnessHealth-related quality of lifecost-effectiveness
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.