MOVE-CRT: A study to describe physical activity in heart failure patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)

Physical activity, including regular exercise, is important for patients with
heart failure (HF). One might expect that after a CRT implantation, patients
are in a better shape to more active and will be able to change their physical
activity. However, it is known that more is needed to change behaviour, for
example to being motivated and feeling empowered to be more active. An
intervention at home using eHealth seems promising to improve physical
activity. However, to design an eHealth intervention for this patient group,
more information is needed on their actual activity level, their motivation and
barriers for physical activity and the perceived role of patients themselves.

To describe physical activity level before and after CRT implantation and to
explore factors related to the intention of patients with HF for implementing
behaviour change (improve activity level). We want to collect this data to plan
future research. We also collect data on the feasibility of such a study. The
long term goal is to develop an eHealth intervention.

This study is a descriptive longitudinal pilot study with 12 months follow-up.

Study procedures

Baseline visit: about 2 months before CRT implantation
- Demographic and clinical data are collected from the electronic health record;
- Respondent complete digital questionnaires at home;
- Combined with the regular outpatient visit, a research nurse administers the
6-minute walk test and the respondent is instructed on the activity meter and
receives it to wear for 2 weeks (excluding at night).

Follow up visits: About 2 and 6 months after CRT implantation
- Demographic and clinical data are collected from the electronic health record
- Respondents complete digital questionnaires at home
- Combined with the regular outpatient visit, a research nurse administers the
6-minute walk test and the respondent is instructed on the activity meter and
receives it to wear for 2 weeks (excluding at night).

Follow up visit: about 12 months
- Demographic and clinical data are collected from the electronic health record
- Respondents complete digital questionnaires at home

No medical intervention is performed in the context of this study. The burden
consists of completing questionnaires 4 times (30 minutes each time), doing a
6-minute walk test 3 times and wearing an activity monitor 3 times for 2 weeks
in 12 months. Since we collect data during scheduled visits, no additional
outpatient clinic visits are required and we believe our study is safe.