JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Risk factor modification, in particular exercise and weight loss, has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, access to structured supporting programs is limited. Barriers include distance from appropriate facilities, work or home responsibilities, and transportation. Digital health technology offers an opportunity to address this gap. To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a 12-week virtually supervised exercise program, modeled on cardiac rehabilitation, in patients with AF.

Objective:

To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a 12-week virtually supervised exercise program, modeled on cardiac rehabilitation, in patients with AF.

Methods:

Twelve patients undergoing catheter ablation of AF were enrolled in this pilot study. Participants met with an exercise physiologist for personalized exercise plan development. A digital health toolkit for self-tracking was provided. The exercise physiologist remotely monitored participants and completed weekly check-ins. The primary endpoint was program completion. Secondary endpoints included change in self-tracking adherence, weight, six-minute walk test (6MWT), waist circumference (WC), AF symptom score, and program satisfaction.

Results:

Median participant age was 67.5 years with mean BMI 33.8 and CHADS2VASC 1.5. Eleven (92%) participants completed the program with 94% of expected check-ins completed and 2.9 exercise sessions per week. Adherence to ECG and blood pressure tracking was fair at 81% and 47% respectively. Significant reductions were seen in weight, WC, BMI were observed with improvements in 6MWT and AF symptom scores (p<0.05) at the completion of the program.

Conclusions:

A virtually supervised exercise program for patients with atrial fibrillation is safe and feasible with good adherence among participants and favorable changes in measures of fitness, weight, and atrial fibrillation symptoms. Further investigation in larger studies is warranted.