Management Tools for Medical Professionals for Prescription and Follow-Up of Cardiac Rehabilitation Based on Physical Exercise Therapies

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major causes of death in Europe, causing over 4 million deaths each year and an estimated cost to the economy of 196 billions. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs based on physical exercise have proved to be the most effective way to reduce mortality and improve the patient wellbeing. However, referral rates to CR are very low and those patients joining CR programs present a poor adherence.

HeartWays system implements a home-based CR system based on two types of physical routines, cardiovascular activities and strength exercises. Medical professionals can prescribe exercise plans that are use by the system to guide the patient during the realization, keeping the intensity within the prescribed ranges. The information gathered is used to calculate the rehabilitation evaluation index (REI), which is used to adjust the prescribed exercise intensities. Medical professionals can this way track the CR process and customize it to the individual.