The effects of different preventive counseling programs on physical activity in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation

Type of funding sources: None.

Physical activity (PA) is associated with lower risk of all-cause death in atrial fibrillation (AF), so interventions to increase PA in AF patients (pts) has a potential to improve their outcomes.

To assess the impact of different preventive counseling programs on PA in pts after catheter ablation (CA) of paroxysmal AF.

A prospective randomized controlled study with 3 parallel groups of pts with paroxysmal AF after CA (radiofrequency or cryoablation).  Pts were randomized (1:1:1) into 3 groups. Before discharge, pts from all groups received 1 preventive counseling session with focus on their individual risk factors profile. After discharge both intervention groups received 6 sessions of biweekly remote preventive counseling by phone (Group 1) or via email(Group 2) for 3 months after enrollment. Group 3 received usual care. PA was assessed using the International Questionnaire on Physical Activity (IPAQ) at baseline and after 12 months.

A total of 135 pts aged 35 to 80 years were enrolled (mean age, 57.3 ± 9.1 years, men, 51.8%). The groups were well balanced according to demographic and clinical features and PA level. The baseline proportion of pts with sufficient (moderate or high) PA was high in all 3 groups (86.6%, 88.9% and 91.1%, respectively). At 1 year of follow-up both intervention groups had a significantly higher proportion of pts maintaining high PA levels vs control (table). 

Preventive counseling programs combining in-hospital and remote counseling via phone or e-mailsupport higher physical activity levels in AF pts after CA.

Different counseling programs and PA