A novel tailor-made cardiac rehabilitation program for obese patient with coronary artery disease.

Obese patients with coronary artery disease currently participate in usual cardiac rehabilitation programs. However, effects achieved are substantially smaller than in non-obese patients, and non-lasting. The OPTICARE XL study investigates a novel tailor-made cardiac rehabilitation program, especially designed for this (still increasing) patient group. Upon usual education sessions and facultative modules (stress management/smoking cessation), OPTICARE-XL has a strong focus on self-management and includes peer group modules on healthy weight and active lifestyle management, and tailored fitness training (aerobic and muscle strength training).

OPTICARE XL will lead to behavioral change towards a healthier lifestyle, resulting in improved health and quality of life. While the novel program requires some extra costs, OPTICARE XL is expected to be cost-effective, even with a time horizon of 1 year.

Intervention: Tpre (for cardiac rehabilitation program), Tmid (after cardiac rehabilitation program), Tpost (after after-care of 9 months), TFU6 (6 months after Tpost).

Control: Tpre, Tpost (after cardiac rehabilitation program), TFU6 (6 months after Tpost), TFU15 (15 months after Tpost).

OPTICARE XL: a one-year tailor-made behavioral group intervention including after-care, specific for obese CAD patients, with strong focus on self-management. Upon usual education sessions and facultative modules OPTICARE XL includes peer group modules on healthy weight and active lifestyle management, and tailored fitness training (aerobic and muscle strength). Control group receives usual cardiac rehabilitation care.