Evaluating a New Digital Tool to Help Doctors Personalize Exercise Prescriptions for Adults with Cardiovascular Risk Factors

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a randomized controlled trial to assess a new digital health tool called Prioritize Personalize Prescribe EXercise P3-EX. This tool is designed to help physicians prescribe personalized exercise programs to adults with cardiovascular disease CVD risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. The trial aims to test the usability and satisfaction of P3-EX compared to a generic exercise prescription method called the American College of Sports Medicine Physical Activity Vital Sign ACSM-PAVS. In the study, 24 physicians will each recruit two patients with CVD risk factors, assigning one patient to receive an exercise prescription via P3-EX and the other to receive the ACSM-PAVS prescription in a randomized crossover design. Patients will follow their prescribed exercise programs unsupervised for 12 weeks, with virtual weekly oversight from University of Connecticut Graduate Research Assistants. The P3-EX tool uses cardiovascular health scoring and tailored exercise recommendations based on the patients highest risk factors, while ACSM-PAVS provides a general exercise guideline. Patients will record their exercise using a self-report diary, and receive exercise guidance through virtual visits and weekly emails. Throughout the 12 weeks, patients will attend in-person visits before and after the intervention to assess CVD risk factors, physical activity levels using accelerometers, and satisfaction with the exercise programs. Physicians and patients will complete usability questionnaires shortly after exercise prescription delivery to evaluate feasibility and acceptability. The study will also analyze changes in cardiovascular health markers, exercise adherence, and physical activity to explore preliminary efficacy. The total participation includes initial assessments, 12-week exercise monitoring with virtual support, and follow-up evaluations.

A Novel Digital Tool Physicians Can Use to Prescribe Exercise to Patients With Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors