Heart Exercise And Resistance Training - Peer Lead ActivitY

Numerous studies show that regular physical activity / exercise significantly improves exercise tolerance as well as clinical outcomes in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Exercise as a reliable adjunctive intervention, however, remains limited due to poor short- as well as long-term adherence. The study examines the effectiveness of the peer-led Heart Exercise And Resistance Training - Peer Lead ActivitY (HEART-PLAY) intervention to significantly sustain exercise adherence among CR patients, as compared a standard CR intervention. In a rigorous cluster randomized controlled trial at the UCSD Step Family Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, the study assesses the HEART-PLAY intervention program in 264 socioeconomically and ethnically diverse women and men 18+ years old who have been referred to standard CR. Participants in the HEART-PLAY and in the STANDARD CR programs will both participate in 36 sessions of CR across approximately 12 weeks, as prescribed by their physician. Participants in HEART-PLAY will additionally receive peer and staff leadership, self-monitoring tools and feedback, group education and materials, and motivational, goal-setting, and relapse prevention counseling sessions. The study will demonstrate that the peer-led HEART-PLAY program based in the clinic setting will significantly enhance the primary study endpoint of adherence to 150 min/week of moderate physical activity/week.