People wanted for innovative cardiac exercise study

People wanted for innovative cardiac exercise study

Participants are needed for an innovative exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation study that uses mobile technology to remotely supervise exercise in real time, anywhere in New Zealand.

This world-first study at the University of Auckland compares the REMOTECR programme with gym-based cardiac rehabilitation clinics in Auckland and Tauranga, to find out how well REMOTE-CR improves cardiac risk factors.

REMOTE-CR was developed at the University to study the many cardiac patients who can’t attend life-changing supervised cardiac rehabilitation exercise programmes says study leader, Associate Professor Ralph Maddison from the University’s National Institute for Health Innovation.

“REMOTE-CR can increase the availability of supervised exercise for cardiac patients in New Zealand and around the world, but we need participants’ help to prove it works before we can make it available for everybody,” says Dr Maddison.

Study participants will complete a 12 week supervised exercise programme and attend three appointments over six months at the University or Tauranga clinics.

“They will get a personalised 12 week exercise programme and comprehensive fitness assessments, including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and weight measurements at no cost,” he says. “Participants will help to shape the future of cardiac rehabilitation.”

People with coronary artery disease, or who have had angina, a cardiac arrest, a stent or coronary bypass surgery may be eligible to take part in the study.

The research is led by researchers from the University of Auckland’s National Institute for Health Innovation, and Departments of Computer Science, Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine.

The study is being carried out in Auckland and Tauranga, and the research is supported by the Auckland Medical Research Foundation.

Anyone interested who thinks they may qualify for this study can contact their cardiac rehabilitation nurse for a referral to the REMOTE-CR team or contact lead research assistant, Jonathan Rawstorn on 09 373-7599 ext 84498 or by email to m.rawstorn@auckland.ac.nz

ENDS

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