Rural HEART Camp Connect: A Feasibility Study

This study builds on the tested and refined HEART Camp intervention which has been shown to improve long-term adherence to exercise in individuals diagnosed with heart failure. HEART Camp Connect enhances HEART Camp by delivering the coaching via videoconference and providing access to hospital-based exercise facilities and online exercise programming. This study is a prospective, single-group, repeated measures feasibility study with 4 data collection points (baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks). Study variables including instruments will be collected at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks. Participants will also be asked to participate in a 30-45 minute interview at 12 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:Diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction or heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (Stage C, chronic HF confirmed by echocardiography and clinical evaluation)19 years of age or olderStable pharmacologic therapy per guidelines for preceding 30 daysAble to read and understand English.Exclusion Criteria:Clinical evidence of decompensated heart failureUnstable anginaMyocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass surgery, or biventricular pacemaker less than 6 weeks priorOrthopedic or neuromuscular disorders preventing participating in aerobic exercisePregnancyParticipation in 3 times per week aerobic exercise during the past 6 monthsPlans to move more than 50 miles from the exercise facility in the next 12 weeksCardiopulmonary stress test results that preclude safe exercise training (arrhythmia) or cardiorespiratory fitness indicated by females with maximum oxygen consumption ≥ 21ml/kg/min and males with maximum oxygen consumption ≥ 24 ml/kg/min.