Feasibility Project To Assess the Use Of An AI-supported Phase 3 Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

9-1-2025

Publication Title

J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev

Abstract

Introduction: Phase 3 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are typically utilized as a strategy to help patients maintain the health gains achieved during phase 2 CR. However, due to many barriers for both patients and CR facilities, only a small percentage of individuals participate in these hospital-based programs. Home-based CR offers a promising convenient alternative, that can eliminate many common barriers to patients (e.g. transportation, limited class times) as well as facilities (limited space and staff). Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of a home-based, virtual CR digital platform (KENTO Health, INC) following participation in CR. Primary outcomes were weekly engagement in the platform and synchronized coach visits. Secondary outcomes assessed the program's impact on QoL, depressive symptoms, and physical activity at 60 days. Design: Single-center, open-label, non-randomized, prospective pilot study. Methods: Eligible patients who had completed or were unable to continue their Phase 2 CR were consented and enrolled into the pilot study where they were given a tablet preloaded with the Kento Health application (KHapp) and an activity tracker (Garmin). The intervention consisted of a 12-week hybrid Phase 3 CR program featuring synchronous coaching, continuous physiologic monitoring (i.e. heart rate and steps), and AI-personalized educational content. Patients completed questionnaires online at the beginning of the study and at 60-days. The questionnaires given were the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Dartmouth COOP, Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, and Net Promoter Score (NPS). A paired samples test was used to compare changes over time with an alpha level set at < 0.05 (SPSS 22.0 IBM). Results: 20 out of 24 patients who were enrolled and consented completed the initial and 60-day questionnaires. Average age was 69 + 12, with 45% female and 71% Black. The percentage of subjects that attended weekly coach visits was 79%. Satisfaction of the program at 60-days, as measured by the NPS, was 96%. Patient reported quality of life (QOL), as measured by the Dartmouth COOP total score was maintained [21 + 5 to 19 + 5 (p = 0.135)] 60 days after completion of CR. The Dartmouth COOP subscale score regarding 'how would you rate your health compared to 4 weeks ago' was improved (p = 0.025). Physical activity levels and self-reported depression were also maintained based on the Godin (p = 0.973) and PHQ (p = 0.283) scores, respectively. Conclusions: This pilot study supports the feasibility of a home-based virtual Phase 3 CR program delivered synchronously with weekly coach visits and AI driven education. Improvement in patient reported health at 60 days was observed. Further research is warranted to explore home-based, virtual programs as a strategy to improve outcomes in patients who participate in CR..

Volume

45

Issue

5

First Page

E49

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