NCT07243444

Home-Based Versus Center-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation After CABG Surgery

Efficacy of Home-Based Telerehabilitation Versus Center-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation on Cardiopulmonary Function and Exercise Capacity in Patients After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 110 (actual)
• Sponsor: The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 30 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled trial was designed to compare the efficacy of a 12-week home-based telerehabilitation (HBTCR) program against traditional center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR) and usual care in patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The primary goal was to assess changes in cardiopulmonary function, measured by peak oxygen consumption (VO₂ peak), and exercise capacity, measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), to determine if HBTCR is a viable alternative to CBCR.

Detailed description

While cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a Class IA recommendation for patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to improve long-term outcomes, participation in traditional center-based programs (CBCR) is low due to barriers like travel, cost, and scheduling. Home-based telerehabilitation (HBTCR) emerges as a potential solution. This study was a three-arm, prospective, single-center randomized controlled trial to rigorously evaluate if a structured HBTCR program is as effective as CBCR. A total of 110 patients, 4-8 weeks post-CABG, were randomized into three groups: HBTCR, CBCR, or a control group receiving usual care with educational pamphlets. The HBTCR group performed prescribed exercises at home, using wearable monitors and a mobile app, with weekly remote monitoring by a rehabilitation team. The CBCR group attended supervised sessions at the hospital three times a week. The control group received standard follow-up and educational materials. The interventions lasted 12 weeks, with assessments of cardiopulmonary function, exercise capacity, cardiac function, psychological status, and quality of life conducted at baseline and at 12 weeks. The study aimed to provide robust evidence for HBTCR as an effective alternative model of care for post-CABG rehabilitation.

Conditions

• Coronary Artery Disease

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Structured Exercise Program	A 12-week comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program. The exercise prescription (frequency, intensity, duration, type) was based on a baseline cardiopulmonary exercise test, typically starting at 40-60% of heart rate reserve and increasing progressively. The program included aerobic and resistance training components. This intervention was delivered either remotely (HBTCR group) or in-person (CBCR group), three times per week.
BEHAVIORAL	Standard Health Education	Participants received routine follow-up and standard health education pamphlets covering topics such as medication adherence, diet, and general advice on physical activity, without a structured or monitored exercise plan.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-09-01
• Primary completion: 2025-09-01
• Completion: 2025-09-01
• First posted: 2025-11-21
• Last updated: 2025-11-21

Locations

1 site across 1 country: China