Adding phone and connected-device tools to cardiac rehabilitation for people with heart disease

Trial details

Who runs it

University of Illinois Chicago

Trial code

NCT07741396

Record updated

10 November 2026

Original description

The purpose of the BRIDGE study is to learn whether supplementing traditional center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR) with a mobile health technology intervention can help patients monitor their health, stay engaged in healthy lifestyle behaviors, better manage cardiovascular risk factors, and improve overall health outcomes.Read full original descriptionShow less

BRIDGE Trial: Embedding Consumer-grade mHealth Technologies Into Cardiac Rehabilitation as a Model for Chronic Disease Management

The purpose of the BRIDGE study is to learn whether supplementing traditional center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR) with a mobile health technology intervention can help patients monitor their health, stay engaged in healthy lifestyle behaviors, better manage cardiovascular risk factors, and improve overall health outcomes.

Cardiac rehabilitation is an evidence-based outpatient program designed to help people recover from heart-related conditions through supervised exercise, education, counseling, and support for healthy lifestyle changes. Although cardiac rehabilitation is highly recommended and beneficial, many patients do not receive the full benefits of the program. Some patients attend fewer sessions than recommended, and many find it difficult to maintain healthy habits outside of the clinic, such as regular physical activity, heart-healthy eating, taking medications as prescribed, monitoring blood pressure, and managing weight.

This study will test whether combining CBCR with mobile health tools may improve participation and support healthy behaviors at home. Mobile health tools include mobile phone applications, connected devices such as a weight scale, blood pressure monitor, and activity tracker, as well as personalized text messages designed to encourage and support healthy self-care.

This study will help determine whether these mobile health tools can make cardiac rehabilitation more effective and help patients maintain healthy behaviors beyond the clinic setting.

Inclusion: Adults aged 18 years or older; Enrolled in or referred to Phase II Center-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program; Have a qualifying cardiovascular diagnosis or event that meets standard eligibility for Phase II Center-based Cardiac Rehabilitation, such as:; Acute myocardial infarction; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Coronary artery bypass graft surgery; Chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; Heart valve repair or replacement; Stable angina; Able to ambulate and participate in exercise testing and training as required by the CR program; Ability to speak and read in English; Willing and able to provide informed consent; Willing to use study-related devices/apps and complete study assessments.

Exclusion: Not enrolled in or not planning to participate in Phase II Center-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program; Presence of a medical, cognitive, psychiatric, or physical condition that, in the opinion of the investigators or CR team, would preclude safe participation in the study or adherence to study procedures; Severe cognitive impairment or active psychiatric illness that would interfere with informed consent or study participation; Terminal illness or other serious medical condition that in the judgement of the treating clinician or investigator would likely preclude completion of the study follow-up period. ; Current hospice enrollment or residence in a long-term care facility that would preclude participation in the intervention or completion of study follow-up procedures; Currently participating in another behavioral or digital health intervention trial that could confound study outcomes; Inability or unwillingness to use the required mobile devices, applications, or monitoring equipment, if applicable.

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07741396