Key result
The 8-week virtual SMART Program demonstrated a non-significant improvement in AF-related quality of life compared to waitlist (Cohen's d 0.86, p=0.086), though pre-post scores improved significantly across all participants (p=0.005).
Why the study?
Stress and negative emotions contribute to AF, and mind-body practices may reduce AF episodes and improve quality of life.
Does an 8-week virtual multimodal mind-body program (SMART) improve AF-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?
RCT (n=18)
Single-blind (blinded data analysis only, otherwise open-label)
1:1 parallel-assignment using REDCap allocation table
No
Does an 8-week virtual multimodal mind-body program (SMART) improve AF-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?
A virtually delivered 8-week mind-body program is feasible for older adults with paroxysmal AF and may improve AF-related quality of life and coping skills, warranting evaluation in larger trials.
BACKGROUND: Stress and negative emotions contribute to atrial fibrillation (AF). Mind-body practices decrease stress and negative emotions and may reduce AF episodes and improve quality of life for patients with AF. OBJECTIVE: We examined the effects of a multimodal mind-body program, the SMART Program, on AF-related quality of life in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF). METHODS: In this randomized, waitlist-controlled pilot trial, 18 subjects with PAF participated in an 8-week SMART Program delivered online immediately or 3 months later. Validated measures were completed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months (waitlist group only). RESULTS: = .011) after participating in the program. CONCLUSION: The SMART Program, delivered virtually, may enhance positive emotions and coping with stress as well as decrease negative emotions and AF symptoms. These results warrant a larger trial to better understand the potential benefits of such programs for patients with PAF.
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Dossett et al. (2021) conducted an RCT in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF) (n=18). SMART Program vs. Waitlist control (usual care) was evaluated on AF-related quality of life (AFEQT score) (Cohen's d 0.86, p=0.086). The 8-week virtual SMART Program demonstrated a non-significant improvement in AF-related quality of life compared to waitlist (Cohen's d 0.86, p=0.086), though pre-post scores improved significantly across all participants (p=0.005).
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