Heartbeat: Cardiac rehab patients keep on top of recovery with virtual exercise classes

December 23, 2020

The Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) team are bringing exercise sessions for patients into their homes by launching virtual classes.

During the pandemic, the facility has been closed to patients, but the service has used this innovative way to keep in touch with them and continue to deliver the sessions.

Christos Lykidis, Senior Exercise Physiologist, is leading the project, which also includes delivery of education sessions. Themes include cardiac disease and symptom management, nutrition, physical activity, medications and stress management.

He told Heartbeat: “We wanted to continue the sessions as it is important that our cardiac patients can continue with their exercise regime, now more than ever. Exercise is a key part of CR and is known to reduce hospital re-admissions, cardiac mortality and also increase the quality of life in these patients.

“We have devised a programme which means they can continue exercising with us in a safe environment.

“Three of us are taking these sessions; an exercise physiologist is instructing the exercise. An assistant is monitoring the exercising patients on the screen, ensuring optimal technique and exertion levels. Finally, a cardiac specialist nurse, who also helps out with the monitoring, is responsible for dealing with patient symptoms or emergencies during exercise.

“All patients are clinically reviewed by a cardiac specialist nurse before attending the programme. Also, all patients confirm that they are symptom-free and have taken their medications before each session.”

Jake O’Brien, Exercise Physiologist, said: “We have had good interest in these sessions, which take place twice a week and, we hope that it will grow in uptake.”

Jake added: “We are committed to fully incorporate virtual exercise and education sessions into the available options for CR beyond the pandemic, as it can increase uptake of our service.”