Innovative program to increase physical activity following an acute coronary syndrome: Randomized controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a socio-cognitive intervention associated with a pedometer-based program on physical activity, cardiovascular risk factors and self-efficacy expectation during one year following an acute coronary syndrome. Methods: Sixty-five subjects were randomized during hospitalization in an experimental or a usual care group. Average steps/day was measured every 3 months until one year following discharge. Other dependent variables were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months follow-up. Results: There were 32 patients in the experimental group and 33 patients in the usual care group. Group characteristics were comparable. At baseline, averages steps/day were similar between groups (5845 +/- 3246 vs. 6097 +/- 3055 steps/day; p = 0.812). At 3-month follow-up, both groups increased their averages steps/day (p < 0.05). This increase was higher in the experimental group (3388 +/- 844 vs. 1934 +/- 889 steps/day; p < 0.001). At 12-month, interaction effects (group x time) in physical activity and waist circumference were different between groups (p < 0.05), whereas self-efficacy expectation increased in both groups similarly (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The intervention is useful to improve average steps/day and waist circumference during the first year following an acute coronary syndrome. Practice implications: This study supports development of the home-based cardiac rehabilitation program using socio-cognitive intervention associated with a pedometer after an acute coronary syndrome. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.