Role of E-media supported training on physical activity, functional capacity and cardiac risk among conservatively managed coronary artery disease patients

To identify and analyze the physical activity level, functional capacity and cardiac risk profile among conservatively managed patients with coronary artery disease patients NOT receiving any formal physiotherapy care, which would throw light on the real need to institute such an expanded Physiotherapy care including an e-media supported training, as follow up is a major hurdle.

In this cross-sectional study, the cardiac risk profile (Framingham risk score), physical activity levels using International Physical Activity Questionnaire and functional capacity with 6MWT were assessed among stable medically managed coronary artery disease patients (n=80), aged 30-70years excluding those with acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, Unstable angina, Acute pericarditis/myocarditis, recent embolism and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention among. An E-media supported exercise counseling and training was provided for interested patient (n=50) to test its feasibility and clinical utility.

A positive correlation between Physical Activity and functional capacity, a negative correlation of Physical Activity and functional capacity with age, Body Mass Index, and Framingham risk score was noted (p0.05). The sub-cluster analysis of the Framingham risk score indicated that low level of physical activity leads to 2.3 times higher risk in developing cardiovascular event. An E- media supported training was feasible in a subgroup with adherence of more than 80% with significant improvement by 3 months of interventions in their functional capacity (p0.05) than the baseline.

The participants with low physical activity, were mostly in moderate risk category and had low physical health- Functional capacity. E-media supported exercise counselling and training was feasible and useful in improving the outcomes.

This study provided important information about the modifiable risk factors and at-risk groups based on gender and age. This information is imperative for strategically targeting at-risk populations with sustainable and cost-effective interventions as part of intermediate and long-term strategies to reduce the burden of coronary artery disease. Moreover, it provides an avenue to exploit the technology to enhance and expand physiotherapy care in medically managed patients, which largely lacks in most clinical practice areas, especially Indian sub-continent with limited follow-up systems in place.