The effects of preventive counseling followed by remote support via phone on physical activity in patients with high cardiovascular risk

Type of funding sources: None.

Education may increase physical activity (PA) in patients (pts) with high cardiovascular (CV) risk.

To assess the effects of preventive counseling with focus on diet modification with remote support by phone on PA levels in high CV risk pts.

This is a randomized controlled study of pts aged 40 to 65 years with high/very high CV risk (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation scale [SCORE], ≥5%) and any 2 metabolic syndrome criteria.  Pts were randomized into 2 groups in 1:1 ratio. Intervention group received comprehensive preventive counseling with focus on healthy diet followed by 3 months of biweekly remote counseling by phone (a total of 6 sessions). Control group received usual care including basic preventive counseling. PA was assessed by International Questionnaire on Physical Activity (IPAQ) at baseline, at 6 and 12 months. 

A total of 100 pts (women, 80%, aged 59.85 ± 4.47 years) were randomized. Demographics and clinical features were balanced across groups. Despite the study intervention not focusing on PA, total PA, moderate PA and walking significantly increased in the intervention group vs control at 6 and 12 months.

The study intervention provided a significant increase of PA in high CV risk pts.