Exercise After an ICD

08 Dec Exercise After an ICD

The purpose of this study is to understand how to help people with an ICD start or increase an exercise program. We also want to know if a home-based walking program will: increase the number of steps per day, boost confidence in being physically active, improve quality of life through safe, consistent activity, and contribute to the development of safe exercise guidelines for patients with an ICD.

The program is conducted by telephone, mail, and internet. Trips to the University of Washington are not required. Participation is randomized, so you will have a 50% chance of being assigned to either the E-ICD exercise group or the usual care group. Those in the E-ICD walking program will follow a personalized 12-month plan, receive a program manual and exercise video, telephone coaching, and a heart rate monitor to monitor heart rate during walks. The usual care group will continue their current activity level. All participants will complete data collection at the start, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Participant Eligibility

Must have:

1) An ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator)
2) ability to read, speak and write English
3) Internet access on a phone or computer during the study
4) Ability to walk for at least 10 minutes without a cane, walker, or other device
5) Age 18 or older

Must not have:

1) A current diagnosis of a serious mental health disorder
2) Regular non-medical use of illegal drugs (such as cocaine, opiates, or methamphetamine)
3) Unstable angina, a heart attack, an ICD shock, or heart surgery within the last 3 months (you may be able to join later if this was recent)
4) Current pregnancy or planning to become pregnant during the 12-month study period
5) Participation in an exercise program with more than 150 minutes of activity per week
6) Serious alcohol use

Contact

Cynthia Dougherty
(206) 221-7927