Effect of a CR programme on Molecular Mechanisms. Version 4.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effect of a Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) Programme on Protein Molecules Associated with Arterial Function, and an Exploration of Reasons for Agreeing or Declining to Participate in a CR Programme: Interviews with Coronary Artery Disease Patients and their Significant Others.
IRAS ID
256290
Contact name
Ciara Hughes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University Sponsor
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 3 days
Research summary
Background:
Research has documented that a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programme is capable of improving the health of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Yet, despite the proven benefit, CR programmes are underutilised worldwide. Exercise is an important component of a CR programme, and may prevent CAD patients from suffering a recurrent heart attack by improving arterial function. However, the protein molecules that may facilitate this improvement are not well understood. This study will seek to evaluate the effects of a CR programme on protein molecules that may improve artery function, and investigate how CAD patients decided whether or not to participate in a CR programme.
Methodology:
This proposed research project will be a pilot prospective cohort study. 70 post heart attack CAD patients who have been invited to take part in a CR programme will be recruited between November/December 2018 - December 2019 from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) and Ulster Hospital. Study measurements will be taken at three “Time Points” over a 22-week period at BHSCT sites, Ulster Hospital, or an Ulster University (UU) campus. The study measurements will consist of: arterial function, a blood sample (51.2 millilitres), and standard clinical measurements.
During this project, the study participants and their significant others (family member/ close friend) will be invited to take part in an interview to investigate how the patient decided whether or not to participate in a CR programme. Each interview will be one-to-one; the patient and his/her significant other will be interviewed separately. Each willing individual will be offered the opportunity to determine a convenient time and location for the interview to be held.
Outcome:
This study will determine the feasibility of evaluating novel molecular mechanisms associated with arterial function, and provide qualitative information that may help to increase participation in a CR programme.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
18/NI/0213
Date of REC Opinion
13 Dec 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion