Evaluating a Women-Only Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Compared to Standard Mixed-Sex Care in Women Aged 40 to 80

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the impact of a women-only cardiac rehabilitation CR program compared to the standard mixed-sex CR program. This study aims to assess if the women-specific program improves attendance, completion rates, and clinical outcomes for women aged 40 to 80 years who have cardiac conditions such as stable angina, recent myocardial infarction, or post-cardiac surgeries. The trial is randomized and single-masked, sponsored by the University of Michigan. The study involves two groups one receiving a 12-week women-only CR program with 36 sessions held three times a week, including monthly women-specific education sessions by experts in womens health and the other receiving the standard mixed-sex CR program, also lasting 12 weeks with up to 36 sessions and weekly educational sessions on nutrition, stress reduction, and exercise. Both groups have a 24-week follow-up visit after starting the program. Participants will attend exercise sessions and educational classes, with medical supervision and personalized programs based on their health history and fitness levels. Researchers will measure attendance rates at 12 weeks, blood pressure control, depression symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and functional capacity through six-minute walk tests and metabolic equivalents. Safety and progress will be monitored through regular assessments over the study and follow-up periods.

Designing and Assessing a Women Only Cardiac Rehabilitation (CARE) Program