JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Although physical activity (PA) decreases dramatically during hospitalization, an effective intervention method has not yet been established. We recently developed a multipatient PA monitoring system that can manage multiple patients’ PA, like ward electrocardiogram monitors.

Objective:

This randomized pilot study was conducted to estimate the feasibility and effect size of an educational PA intervention using our monitoring system for in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation patients.

Methods:

A total of 41 patients (median age: 70, male patients: 24/41) undergoing in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation were randomly assigned to two groups: those wearing an accelerometer only and those using both an accelerometer and a PA monitoring system. Patients assigned to the monitoring group were instructed to gradually increase their step counts according to their conditions. An analysis of covariance was performed to compare the average step count during hospitalization as a primary outcome and a 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) at discharge.

Results:

The median duration of accelerometer wearing was 4 days in the monitoring group and 5.5 days in the accelerometer-only group. Adherence was excellent in the monitoring group, but adherence in the accelerometer-only group was 83.3%. The monitoring group tended to be more active (difference: 1,397 steps, 95% confidence interval: −62–2,858) and have longer 6MWDs (difference: 73.2 m, 95% confidence interval: 14.8–131.7) than the accelerometer-only group.

Conclusions:

These findings support the rationale and feasibility of a future clinical trial to test the efficacy of this educational intervention in improving the PA and physical function of in-hospital patients. Clinical Trial: University hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN-CTR, unique identifier: UMIN000043312).