A cardiac-rehab behaviour intervention to reduce sedentary time in coronary artery disease patients: the SIT LESS randomized controlled trial

Sophie H. Kroesen, Bram M.A. van Bakel, Marijn de Bruin, Arzu Günal, Arko Scheepmaker, Wim R.M. Aengevaeren, Frank F. Willems, Roderick Wondergem, Martijn F. Pisters, Francisco B. Ortega, Maria T.E. Hopman, Dick H.J. Thijssen, Esmée A. Bakker, Thijs M.H. Eijsvogels*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: High sedentary times (ST) is highly prevalent in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), highlighting the need for behavioural change interventions that effectively reduce ST. We examined the immediate and medium-term effect of the SIT LESS intervention on changes in ST among CAD patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Methods: CAD patients participating in CR at 2 regional hospitals were included in this randomized controlled trial (1:1, stratified for gender and hospital). The control group received CR, whereas SIT LESS participants additionally received a 12-week hybrid behaviour change intervention. The primary outcome was the change in accelerometer-derived ST from pre-CR to post-CR and 3 months post-CR. Secondary outcomes included changes in ST and physical activity characteristics, subjective outcomes, and cardiovascular risk factors. A baseline constrained linear mixed-model was used. Results: Participants (23% female; SIT LESS: n = 108, control: n = 104) were 63 ± 10 years. Greater ST reductions were found for SIT LESS compared to control post-CR (-1.7 (95% confidence interval (CI): -2.0; -1.4) versus − 1.1 (95% CI: -1.4; -0.8) h/day, pinteraction=0.009), but not at 3 months post-CR (pinteraction=0.61). Besides, larger light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) increases were found for SIT LESS compared to control post-CR (+ 1.4 (95% CI: +1.2; +1.6) versus + 1.0 (95% CI: +0.8; +1.3) h/day, pinteraction=0.020). Changes in other secondary outcomes did not differ among groups. Conclusion: SIT LESS transiently reduced ST and increased LIPA, but group differences were no longer significant 3 months post-CR. These findings highlight the challenge to induce sustainable behaviour changes in CAD patients without any continued support. Trial registration: Netherlands Trial Register: NL9263. Registration Date: 24 February 2021.

Original languageEnglish
Article number90
Number of pages12
JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Aug 2024

Keywords

  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • e-Health
  • Physical activity
  • Prevention
  • Sedentary lifestyle

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