There was no significant between group difference in six-minute walk test distance .
Conclusions Our meta- analysis showed WPAM with exercise prescription or advice are superior to no device in improving CRF in the maintenance phase of CR and no cardiac adverse events were reported with WPAM use .
Our qualitative analysis showed evidence in favour of WPAM with exercise prescription or advice for both CRF and step count .
WPAM with exercise prescription or advice did not change sedentary time .
Background Physical activity ( PA ) is a component of cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) .
However , life-long engagement in PA is required to maintain benefits gained .
Wearable PA monitoring devices ( WPAM ) are thought to increase PA .
There appear to be no review s which investigate the effect of WPAM in cardiac population s. We firstly aim ed to systematic ally review r and omised controlled trials within the cardiac population that investigated the effect WPAM had through the maintenance phase of CR .
We specifically examined the effect on cardiorespiratory fitness ( CRF ) , amount and intensity of daily PA , and sedentary time .
Internet-based training of coronary artery patients: the Heart Cycle Trial
Low adherence to cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) might be improved by remote monitoring systems that can be used to motivate and supervise patients and tailor CR safely and effectively to their needs . The main objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a smartphone-guided training system ( GEX ) and whether it could improve exercise capacity compared to CR delivered by conventional methods for patients with coronary artery disease ( CAD ) . A prospect i ve , r and omized , international , multi-center study comparing CR delivered by conventional means ( CG ) or by remote monitoring ( IG ) using a new training steering/feedback tool ( GEx System ) . This consisted of a sensor monitoring breathing rate and the electrocardiogram that transmitted information on training intensity , arrhythmias and adherence to training prescriptions  , wirelessly via the internet , to a medical team that provided feedback and adjusted training prescriptions . Exercise capacity was evaluated prior to and 6 months after intervention . 118 patients ( 58 ± 10 years , 105 men ) with CAD referred for CR were r and omized ( IG : n = 55 , CG : n = 63 ) . However , 15 patients ( 27 % ) in the IG and 18 ( 29 % ) in the CG withdrew participation and technical problems prevented a further 21 patients ( 38 % ) in the IG from participating . No training-related complications occurred . For those who completed the study , peak VO2 improved more ( p = 0.005 ) in the IG ( 1.76 ± 4.1 ml/min/kg ) compared to CG ( −0.4 ± 2.7 ml/min/kg ) . A newly design ed system for home-based CR appears feasible , safe and improves exercise capacity compared to national CR . Technical problems reflected the complexity of applying remote monitoring solutions at an international level
There was no significant between group difference in six-minute walk test distance .
Conclusions Our meta- analysis showed WPAM with exercise prescription or advice are superior to no device in improving CRF in the maintenance phase of CR and no cardiac adverse events were reported with WPAM use .
Our qualitative analysis showed evidence in favour of WPAM with exercise prescription or advice for both CRF and step count .
WPAM with exercise prescription or advice did not change sedentary time .
Background Physical activity ( PA ) is a component of cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) .
However , life-long engagement in PA is required to maintain benefits gained .
Wearable PA monitoring devices ( WPAM ) are thought to increase PA .
There appear to be no review s which investigate the effect of WPAM in cardiac population s. We firstly aim ed to systematic ally review r and omised controlled trials within the cardiac population that investigated the effect WPAM had through the maintenance phase of CR .
We specifically examined the effect on cardiorespiratory fitness ( CRF ) , amount and intensity of daily PA , and sedentary time .