Current Projects
Be-WEL in CR-AF
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a growing global health concern, especially among individuals with obesity. Although weight loss is recommended to reduce AF symptoms and improve outcomes, most cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs do not include structured weight management. The Be-WEL in CR-AF study is a randomized controlled trial testing whether adding a “Small Changes” behavioural weight loss treatment (BWLT) to standard CR leads to meaningful weight loss (≥10%) in patients with AF and obesity.
Participants are randomized to receive either standard CR or CR plus BWLT, which includes 12 weekly group-based virtual sessions and 12 weeks of follow-up support. Outcomes include weight loss, AF symptoms, risk factors, and quality of life, measured up to 52 weeks. This is the first clinical trial to integrate targeted weight loss into CR for AF, with the potential to improve patient health and inform future large-scale studies.
The BEAT Study: Bettering Exercise and Treatment in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a proven treatment that helps people with heart conditions improve their fitness, reduce risk factors, and support mental wellbeing. However, not everyone responds in the same way, and it is unclear how long the benefits last. This study examines what factors predict success in CR, how improvements are maintained over 1–2 years, and how outcomes vary across different patient groups, including women and those with conditions such as SCAD, POTS, and amyloidosis. The goal is to better understand who benefits most and how CR programs can be tailored to meet diverse patient needs.
A Cross-Sectional Survey of CR Healthcare Providers’ Current Practices and Attitudes Towards Weight Management in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Excess weight is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet most cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs do not include structured weight loss treatment (WLT). As a result, BMI improvements after CR are minimal, despite strong calls from experts to integrate effective weight management into standard care. With new interest in behavioural programs and weight loss medications, CR centres in Canada are beginning to explore different approaches, but national practices remain unclear.
This study uses a survey of Canadian CR programs to examine current obesity management practices, as well as the attitudes, barriers, and facilitators to integrating WLT. By gathering perspectives from CR providers and program leaders, this research aims to identify opportunities to improve patient care and guide the development of more effective, accessible weight management strategies within CR.
Increasing Access to Evidence-based Cardiovascular Care for Rural Patients in Saskatchewan: A Virtual Alternative to Centre-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves health and quality of life for people with cardiovascular disease, but many patients in rural Saskatchewan face barriers such as long travel distances, lack of transportation, and limited local health services. Virtual cardiac rehabilitation (VCR) offers an effective alternative, yet no VCR programs currently exist in the province.
This study partners with patients and healthcare providers to identify barriers and enablers to VCR in rural Saskatchewan. Together, the team will co-develop and test a virtual CR program that is patient-centred, acceptable to providers, and ready for implementation in the Saskatchewan Health Authority. By expanding access through VCR, this project aims to increase participation in rehabilitation and improve health outcomes for rural patients across the province.