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 .
Effects of two behavioral cardiac rehabilitation interventions on physical activity: A randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND St and ard cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) is insufficient to help patients achieve an active lifestyle . The effects of two advanced and extended behavioral CR interventions on physical activity ( PA ) and sedentary behavior ( SB ) were assessed . METHODS In total , 731 patients with ACS were r and omized to 1 ) 3months of st and ard CR ( CR-only ) ; 2 ) 3months of st and ard CR with three pedometer-based , face-to-face PA group counseling sessions followed by 9months of aftercare with three general lifestyle , face-to-face group counseling sessions ( CR+F ) ;  or 3 )  3months of st and ard CR , followed by 9months of aftercare with five to six general lifestyle , telephonic counseling sessions ( CR+T ) . An accelerometer recorded PA and SB  at r and omization , 3months , 12months , and 18months . RESULTS The CR+F group did not improve their moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA ( MVPA ) or SB time compared to CR-only ( between-group difference=0.24 % MVPA , P=0.349 ; and 0.39 % SB , P=0.529 ) . However , step count ( between-group difference=513 steps/day , P=0.021 ) and time in prolonged MVPA ( OR=2.14 , P=0.054 ) improved at 3months as compared to CR-only . The improvement in prolonged MVPA was maintained at 18months ( OR=1.91 , P=0.033 ) . The CR+T group did not improve PA or SB compared to CR-only . CONCLUSIONS Adding three pedometer-based , face-to-face group PA counseling sessions to st and ard CR increased daily step count and time in prolonged MVPA . The latter persisted at 18months . A telephonic after-care program did not improve PA or SB . Although after-care should be optimized to improve long-term adherence , face-to-face group counseling with objective PA feedback should be added to st and ard CR
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 .