Telerehabilitation vs. Center-Based Rehab for Psychological Well-being After CABG

Hebei Medical University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Psychological Distress After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Treatments: Behavioral: Home-Based Telerehabilitation Cardiac Rehabilitation; Behavioral: Usual Care

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07232693

S00775-2

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial aims to determine if a 12-week home-based telerehabilitation (HBTCR) program is as effective as traditional center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR) in improving psychological well-being (anxiety and depression) and quality of life in patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A third group receiving usual care served as a control.

Full description

Psychological distress, such as anxiety and depression, is common after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and negatively affects recovery and quality of life. While center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR) effectively addresses these issues, participation is often limited by barriers like travel, cost, and scheduling. Home-based telerehabilitation (HBTCR) offers a potential solution. This single-center, prospective, three-arm randomized controlled trial was designed to compare the effectiveness of HBTCR versus CBCR and usual care. A total of 110 clinically stable patients, 4-8 weeks post-CABG, were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to an HBTCR group, a CBCR group, or a control group. The intervention period was 12 weeks. The study hypothesized that the HBTCR program, which includes a personalized exercise plan, remote monitoring via a wearable device and mobile app, and weekly psychosocial support from a nurse, would be as effective as the traditional supervised in-person CBCR program in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and improving health-related quality of life.

Enrollment: 110 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 30 to 75 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 30-75 years.
• 4-8 weeks post-Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG).
• In clinically stable condition.
• Had access to a smartphone and were willing to use it for the program.
• Willing to participate in a 12-week rehabilitation program.
• Provided written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of severe and unstable comorbidities (e.g., uncontrolled heart failure, recent stroke).
• Severe orthopedic limitations that would prevent participation in exercise.
• Significant cognitive impairment or psychiatric disorders that would interfere with participation.
• Inability to provide informed consent.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

---

110 participants in 3 patient groups

Home-Based Telerehabilitation (HBTCR) Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants received a personalized 12-week exercise program to perform at home. They were provided with a wearable heart rate monitor and a mobile application to log their activities. A dedicated cardiac rehabilitation nurse contacted each patient weekly via phone or video call to review progress, adjust the exercise plan, and provide structured psychosocial support and counseling.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Home-Based Telerehabilitation Cardiac Rehabilitation

Behavioral: Home-Based Telerehabilitation Cardiac Rehabilitation

Center-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation (CBCR) Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants attended 36 supervised sessions at the hospital's cardiac rehabilitation center over 12 weeks (3 sessions/week). Each session included aerobic and resistance exercises. In addition, patients attended weekly group sessions for health education and psychosocial support, covering topics like stress management and coping strategies.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Home-Based Telerehabilitation Cardiac Rehabilitation

Behavioral: Home-Based Telerehabilitation Cardiac Rehabilitation

Control Group

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Participants received usual care, which included standard postoperative medical advice and health education pamphlets detailing general recommendations for diet, medication, and physical activity. They did not receive any structured exercise prescription or formal psychological support from the study team.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Usual Care