May 14, 2009
UW study to look at benefits of exercise for people with ICD devices
A new study at the UW seeks to find out how walking exercise will benefit people who have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
• Have you had an ICD inserted to regulate your heart rhythm?
• Are you taking a beta blocker medication?
• Are you willing to walk at home or in the community?
• Do you read and write English?
• Do you exercise less than 60 minutes a day, on five days per week?
If you answered yes to these questions, the UW School of Nursing would like you to consider participating in an exercise after ICD study over a six-month period.
The research project is funded by the National Institutes of Health, and is intended to study whether a graduated walking exercise program helps people with an ICD improve heart function and reduce ICD shocks. One participant group will receive the care normally given to people after an ICD, and a second participant group will receive the same medical care given to people with an ICD plus a home exercise program.
Participants will make three visits to the UW Medical Center over a period of six months (at the start of the program, at eight weeks and at 24 weeks), and can earn up to $200 upon completion of the study.
Those interested in learning more can visit the study’s Web site: http://www.son.washington.edu/portals/exicd
Prospective participants can also contact Project Director Nancy Healy or Principal Investigator Cynthia Dougherty by e-mail at walkicd@u.washington.edu or phone 206-616-6558 or toll-free 1-877-616-6558.
