Improving physical activity measurement for the secondary prevention of heart disease: accelerometer cut-points for physical activity intensities

One in three heart attacks are repeat events. Not only are repeat cardiac events more likely to be fatal, they are costly. The risk for repeat events can be reduced by increasing physical activity. However, the exact dose-response relationship is unclear, with the current physical activity guidelines used for people with heart disease based on healthy individuals who may need more activity to gain the health benefits. Our study will identify heart disease-specific accelerometer cut-points, enabling the precise classification of physical activity intensity. This project will generate new knowledge, allowing the disease-specific relationship between physical activity and health outcomes to be accurately established. This will guide future physical activity recommendations and interventions, helping more people live longer and healthier after a cardiac event.