Remote Technology Intervention Group
cardiac illness
At baseline, during the initiation of the 5-day in-rehabilitation period in the rehabilitation center, the remote technology intervention group received instructions on how to use the Movendos mCoach internet software (Movendos Ltd) via a mobile phone, computer, or tablet computer. Movendos mCoach is a browser-based tool that enables communication between the rehabilitee and instructor and monitors the progress of rehabilitee. Wrist-worn Fitbit Charge HR (Fitbit) accelerometers were used for self-monitoring and motivating physical activation during the 12-month intervention period. The accelerometers were guided to be worn daily and to follow the number of steps and other parameters describing physical activity. If required, the rehabilitees had an opportunity to use the Fitbit app, which described graphically and cumulatively reported daily, weekly, and monthly activity levels.During the in-rehabilitation periods, the rehabilitees used the Movendos mCoach app, for example, in goal setting and exercise instructions, and Fitbit accelerometers for self-monitoring of physical exercises. In addition, the accelerometer serves as a motivational tool. In the remote technology intervention group, the remote technology application was used in home exercise instructions, advice, and monitoring of the rehabilitees during the 5-day in-rehabilitation and 6-month self-rehabilitation periods. Researchers and health care professionals did not receive real-time feedback from the accelerometers.During the self-rehabilitation period, the remote technology intervention group performed monthly tasks that aimed to increase participants’ ability to cope with cardiac illness in everyday life. Web-based software (Movendos) sent monthly automatic motivational messages. In addition, peer support was possible in group discussions. The coaching software also allowed for changing experiences with the peer group. If required, the rehabilitees formed WhatsApp (Meta) groups, but this was not part of official rehabilitation. There was also the possibility of sending messages to the physiotherapist through coaching software. In addition, rehabilitees had an opportunity to contact the researcher responsible for measurement and technical support in problems related to the use of technology, if needed.