Internet-based synchronized face-to-face video group support did not significantly improve exercise adherence compared to standard care in heart failure patients (58.8% vs 57.3%).
RCT (n=30)
Does internet-based group social support via face-to-face video improve adherence to exercise in patients with stable heart failure?
An 8-week internet-based video social support intervention is feasible for heart failure patients but did not significantly improve exercise adherence compared to activity trackers alone in this small pilot study.
Absolute Event Rate: 58.8% vs 57.3%
AIM: The use of the internet and newer activity monitors such as the Fitbit Charge HR to improve exercise adherence is limited. The primary aim of the Move on Virtual Engagement (MOVE-HF) was to investigate the effects of group social support by internet-based synchronized face-to-face video and objective physical activity feedback on adherence to recommended exercise guidelines. METHODS: Thirty stable heart failure patients (New York Heart Association class I-III), aged 64.7±11.5 years, were randomly assigned to an experimental or comparison group. Participants were provided a handout on self-care in heart failure, an exercise routine, a Fitbit Charge HR and were asked to wear the Fitbit Charge HR daily, and record their exercise sessions using both the Fitbit Charge HR and exercise diaries. In addition, participants in the experimental group connected to Vidyo software, once a week, for 8 weeks, for a 45-minute face-to-face online group discussion/education session. RESULTS: Overall Vidyo session attendance was 68%, with 73% of participants attending five or more sessions. Adherence to exercise was 58.8% in the experimental group and 57.3% in the comparison group. The experimental group perceived receiving social support through the internet-based synchronized face-to-face video meetings but due to a small sample size and lack of adequate power, no significant impact on exercise adherence was observed. Participants commented that feedback regarding physical activity from the Fitbit Charge HR was helpful and motivational. CONCLUSION: Delivering social support by internet-based synchronized face-to-face video is feasible with heart failure patients. However, more investigations are needed to understand its impact on exercise adherence.
Deka et al. (Tue,) conducted a rct in Stable heart failure (n=30). Internet-based synchronized face-to-face video group support vs. Comparison group (Fitbit Charge HR, exercise routine, self-care handout) was evaluated on Adherence to recommended exercise guidelines. Internet-based synchronized face-to-face video group support did not significantly improve exercise adherence compared to standard care in heart failure patients (58.8% vs 57.3%).