Improving Long-Term Exercise in Older Cardiac Patients
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has awarded $2,648,390
over four years to investigate how to improve the exercise level
of older cardiac patients. Shirley M. Moore, RN, PhD, FAAN, at Case
Western Reserve is the Principal Investigator and Farrokh Alemi,
Ph.D. from George Mason University is the co-investigator. Exercise
following an acute cardiac event has been shown to increase cardiovascular
functional capacity and overall health. However, continued exercise
is required to maintain desired effects. At 6 months after a cardiac
event only 15-40% of people exercise at levels consistent with recommended
guidelines.
The purpose of this project is to conduct a head-to-head evaluation
of two different interventions, SystemCHANGE and CHANGE+, as compared
to Usual Care in older cardiac patients. SystemCHANGE is a novel
intervention that focuses on environmental change (see for example
a recent book on the topic by the investigators and other colleagues
titled: "A
Thinking Person's Step by Step Guide to Weight Loss & Exercise
Program". In this approach, life style and the environment
are modified to make it easier or necessary to exercise. CHANGE+
is an intervention based on contemporary cognitive behavioral strategies,
including stages of change and problem solving. Subjects will be
followed for one year. For more information on this project please
contact Dr. Alemi at http://gunston.gmu.edu/708/EmailAlemi.htm