1. Investigating the effectiveness of a Stage IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme A collaborative project between Heartbeat NW and UCLan

2. What is the context? Stage IV programmes seek to improve risk factor profile, fitness and general health. Phase I-III well documented in literature. Little information relating to late stage (phase IV) cardiac rehabilitation.  Efficacy

3. What did we do? Graduate intern employed to review existing data. Supervisory team will complete the review. Many, many pages of numbers to review!

5. Key research question? How effective was the Heartbeat intervention? Body mass index (BMI) Risk factor score, derived from the Framingham methodology (D'Agostino et al. 2000). Maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2 max) determined using a graded exercise test. Pre- and post- stage IV intervention. Average duration of the programme was 48 ±18 wks. Programme consisted of formal exercise classes (2 per week) and health education sessions.

6. What did we find?

7. Implications? Risk factor score reduced significantly in both genders (p=0.001, ES = 0.99) VO 2 max scores improved significantly in both genders (p=0.02, ES = 0.72) A non-significant reduction in BMI was also observed (p>0.05). Remove the jargon, Heartbeat intervention did see a significant effect. Structured exercise/education based cardiac rehabilitation programme successfully improved risk factor profile and aerobic fitness. Similar findings by gender group. Multi-faceted improvements in health and wellness. Supporting evidence that engagement with stage IV programme reduced smoking behaviors.

8. Where do we go now? Develop a strong evidence-based approach. Interest nationally (Evidence Live) Further investigation of follow up, post cessation of the programme. Assessment of relatively meager changes in body mass index/body size. More detailed examination/verification of risk factor score. Comparisons with more suitable QRISK instruments (Hippisley-Cox et al. 2007). More data crunching!