A web-based tailored nursing intervention (TAVIE en m@rche) aimed at increasing walking after an acute coronary syndrome: Multicentre randomized trial

AIM

Evaluate a web-based tailored nursing intervention, TAVIE en m@rche, on increasing daily steps after an acute coronary syndrome.

DESIGN

Parallel two-group multicentre randomized trial.

METHODS

An experimental group receiving TAVIE en m@rche, was compared to  a control group receiving hyperlinks to public websites. Acute coronary syndrome patients who were insufficiently active were recruited from three coronary care units. Daily steps at 12 weeks were the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included self-reported walking and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Exploratory outcomes were angina frequency, emergency department visits, hospitalizations and secondary prevention programme attendance.

RESULTS

Primary data were analysed for 39 participants. No significant effects were found. At 12 weeks 275.9 more daily steps and 1,464.3 more energy expenditure in MVPA were found in the experimental group relative to the control. No effects were found for angina frequency, emergency department visits, hospitalizations and secondary prevention programme attendance.

CONCLUSION

The lack of effect on our primary result may be explained by the intervention goal that was mismatched to the needs of our mostly sufficiently active sample at randomization, resulting in no meaningful change in daily steps. Although the non-significantly greater increase in self-reported MVPA may represent gains in health among the participants that accessed TAVIE en m@rche, this result should be interpreted with caution.

IMPACT

From 40%-60% of acute coronary syndrome patients self-report insufficient levels of physical activity. No effect was found on the primary outcome of daily steps. Although not significant, a greater increase in MVPA was found at 12 weeks. The primary outcome can be explained by most of the sample having attained the physical activity recommendation at randomization. Caution in interpreting the non-significant increase in MVPA is warranted due to attrition bias and statistical uncertainty. Future directions may consider the timing of randomization in relation to meeting the needs of insufficiently active acute coronary syndrome patients.