Supporting Methods in Cardiovascular Diseases Rehabilitation

Summary

The study evaluates how various therapeutic approaches perform in addressing depression, anxiety symptoms, and stress levels among patients in the second stage of cardiac rehabilitation. This study aims to evaluate the influence of the used therapeutic approaches on psychological outcomes and to compare the effectiveness of these therapies.

Conditions

• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Mood Disorders
• Depressive Symptoms
• Anxiety
• Stress

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Cardiac rehabilitation

Four weeks of cardiac rehabilitation conducted in an outpatient care facility. Three times per week (80 minutes per day) cardiologically monitored aerobic training consisting of: 40 minutes of interval training on a cycloergometer and 40 minutes of general fitness exercises.

BEHAVIORAL

Relaxation-therapeutic recordings

8 sessions of relaxation-therapeutic recordings in the non-sleep deep rest concept. The content of the recording is based on the 'body scanning technique', which constitutes the core of the therapy. This approach aims to quiet the overactive sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system. During therapy, the patients take a 'journey' through their own body from feet to head. Following the voice of the narrator, the patient focuses on specific body parts, tries to feel this place and then relaxes tense muscles. Relaxation of individual body parts (muscle groups) is combined with breathing exercises. Conscious and mindful breathing deepens the state of relaxation. Additionally, the recording includes therapeutic suggestions related to making a choice between: overload and relief, holding on and letting go, acting and sensing. Furthermore, suggestions focus the patient on inner wisdom that allows them to make the best decisions.

DEVICE

Virtual reality therapy

8 sessions of VR therapy (each of them 20 minutes long). As a virtual reality source, VR TierOne device (Stolgraf®) were used. Thanks to using head mounted display and the phenomenon of total immersion VR therapy provides an intense visual, auditory and kinesthetic stimulation. It can have a calming and mood-improving effect or help the patients recognize their psychological resources and motivate to the rehabilitation process. In the virtual therapeutic garden there are a rich set of symbols and metaphors based on Ericksonian Psychotherapy approach.The most important is the Garden of Revival which symbolizes the patient's health. It used to be full of life and energy, now it is neglected, requires work to be revived. In the therapeutic process day by day, the therapist tells the patient a symbolic story about his/her situation.

BEHAVIORAL

Schultz Autogenic Training

8 sessions of Schultz Autogenic Training (each of them 20 minutes long).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Gajda-Med District Hospital

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Cardiology Center Pro Corde

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Healthcare Innovation Technology Lab, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Joanna Szczepańska-Gieracha, Prof. · Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences

• Adam Wrzeciono, MSc. · Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences

• Sandra Jóźwik, Ph.D. · Cardiology Center Pro Corde

• Błażej Cieślik, Ph.D. · Healthcare Innovation Technology Lab, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital

• Paweł Kiper, Ph.D. · Healthcare Innovation Technology Lab, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital

• Robert Gajda, Prof. · Gajda-Med District Hospital

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

40 Years

Max Age

85 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-02-01

Primary Completion

2024-04-15

Completion

2024-05-31

Countries

• Poland

Study Locations