The effects of different preventive counseling programs on physical activity in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Physical activity (PA) is associated with lower risk of all-cause death in atrial fibrillation (AF), so interventions to increase PA in AF patients (pts) has a potential to improve their outcomes. Purpose To assess the impact of different preventive counseling programs on PA in pts after catheter ablation (CA) of paroxysmal AF. Methods A prospective randomized controlled study with 3 parallel groups of pts with paroxysmal AF after CA (radiofrequency or cryoablation). Pts were randomized (1:1:1) into 3 groups. Before discharge, pts from all groups received 1 preventive counseling session with focus on their individual risk factors profile. After discharge both intervention groups received 6 sessions of biweekly remote preventive counseling by phone (Group 1) or via email(Group 2) for 3 months after enrollment. Group 3 received usual care. PA was assessed using the International Questionnaire on Physical Activity (IPAQ) at baseline and after 12 months. Results A total of 135 pts aged 35 to 80 years were enrolled (mean age, 57.3 ± 9.1 years, men, 51.8%). The groups were well balanced according to demographic and clinical features and PA level. The baseline proportion of pts with sufficient (moderate or high) PA was high in all 3 groups (86.6%, 88.9% and 91.1%, respectively). At 1 year of follow-up both intervention groups had a significantly higher proportion of pts maintaining high PA levels vs control (table). Conclusions Preventive counseling programs combining in-hospital and remote counseling via phone or e-mailsupport higher physical activity levels in AF pts after CA. Different counseling programs and PA Levels of physical activity 1 group (support via phone) 2 group (support via e-mail) Control group P for Group 1 vs. control at 12 Months P for Group 2 vs. control at 12 Months Baseline After 12 months Baseline After 12 months Baseline After 12 months Low,% 13.3 2.2 11.1 0 8.9 2.2 n/s n/s Moderate,% 62.2 71.1 71.1 82.2 60 93.3 <0.01 n/s High,% 24.4 26.7 17.8 17.8 31.1 4.4 <0.005 <0.05