Researchers looked at 36 studies involving over 7,000 heart patients to compare online cardiac rehabilitation (using apps and video) with traditional in-person programs. They found that patients using online programs had fewer hospital visits, better exercise capacity, and were more likely to stick with healthy habits like not smoking and eating well. While online programs showed promise, researchers note that more studies are needed to fully understand how well they work for everyone.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether heart patients do better with online rehabilitation programs (using computers, apps, and videos at home) compared to traditional in-person rehabilitation at hospitals or clinics.
- Who participated: 7,257 heart patients from 36 different studies published between 2010 and 2025. About 3,340 used online programs and 3,917 attended traditional in-person programs.
- Key finding: Patients using online heart rehabilitation had 63% fewer hospital readmissions compared to those in traditional programs. They also showed better exercise ability and were more likely to maintain healthy behaviors like not smoking and eating well.
- What it means for you: If you’re recovering from a heart condition, online rehabilitation programs may be a helpful option that could reduce your chances of needing to return to the hospital. However, talk with your doctor about whether this approach is right for your specific situation.
The Research Details
This was a systematic review and meta-analysis, which means researchers searched multiple medical databases (like PubMed and Google Scholar) for all studies comparing online and traditional heart rehabilitation programs published between 2010 and 2025. They found 36 studies that met their quality standards.
The researchers carefully checked each study for quality using special tools designed to spot problems or bias. They then combined the results from all these studies using statistical software to see if there were clear patterns showing one approach worked better than the other.
The studies included both randomized controlled trials (where patients are randomly assigned to either online or traditional programs) and observational studies (where researchers tracked patients who chose one program or the other).
By combining results from many studies instead of looking at just one, researchers can get a clearer picture of what really works. This approach is especially important for heart health because the stakes are high—we want to know which rehabilitation methods actually help patients stay healthy and avoid serious problems.
The researchers used established quality assessment tools to evaluate each study, reducing the chance of including poor-quality research. They checked for publication bias (the tendency to publish only positive results) and used appropriate statistical methods. However, the studies they reviewed had different designs and patient populations, which means the results should be considered preliminary rather than definitive.
What the Results Show
Online heart rehabilitation programs showed significantly better results in several important areas. Patients using online programs had 63% fewer unplanned hospital visits compared to traditional programs. They also showed better exercise capacity, meaning their hearts and bodies could handle more physical activity.
One of the most striking findings was that online program participants were much more likely to stay physically active—they had 68% lower rates of physical inactivity compared to traditional program participants. This suggests that online programs may help people maintain exercise habits better.
Patients in online programs were also more likely to quit smoking (35% lower smoking rates) and eat healthier diets (41% lower rates of unhealthy eating). These lifestyle changes are crucial for heart health because smoking and poor diet are major risk factors for heart disease.
The study looked at other health markers like blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, but found no significant differences between the two groups. This suggests that while online programs excel at helping people maintain healthy behaviors and reducing hospital visits, they may not dramatically change these specific blood measurements differently than traditional programs.
This research builds on growing evidence that digital health tools can be effective for managing chronic diseases. The findings align with trends accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many rehabilitation programs to go online. Previous smaller studies had mixed results, but this comprehensive review of 36 studies provides stronger evidence that online programs may have advantages.
The researchers note several important limitations. The studies they reviewed used different methods and measured outcomes differently, making direct comparisons challenging. Some studies were small or had design issues. The results are based on studies published in English, so findings from other languages weren’t included. Additionally, the studies varied in how they delivered online programs and who participated, so results may not apply equally to all patients or all types of online programs.
The Bottom Line
Online cardiac rehabilitation programs appear to be a promising option for heart patients, particularly for reducing hospital readmissions and helping people maintain healthy behaviors (moderate confidence). These programs may work especially well as a supplement to or alternative for traditional in-person rehabilitation. However, the choice between online and traditional programs should be made with your cardiologist based on your specific health situation, access to technology, and personal preferences.
This research is most relevant for people recovering from heart attacks, heart surgery, or other cardiac events. It’s also important for cardiologists and rehabilitation specialists deciding which programs to offer. People with limited access to in-person rehabilitation centers may particularly benefit from online options. However, patients with severe heart conditions or those who need close monitoring may still require traditional in-person programs.
Based on the studies reviewed, benefits like improved exercise capacity and reduced hospital visits typically appear within weeks to months of starting a program. Lifestyle changes like increased physical activity and better diet adherence may show benefits within 4-12 weeks. However, long-term benefits (preventing future heart problems) take months to years to fully develop.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly exercise minutes, daily step count, and monthly hospital or clinic visits. Users can set a goal of 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week and monitor whether they’re meeting this target.
- Use the app to log daily activities (walking, cycling, swimming), receive reminders for medication, track diet quality with simple meal logging, and get notifications for smoking cessation milestones. The app could also provide guided video exercises and connect users with online support communities.
- Establish a baseline of current activity level and health metrics at the start of the program. Check progress monthly by reviewing exercise consistency, lifestyle changes (smoking status, diet quality), and any hospital visits. Share monthly summaries with your healthcare provider to adjust the program as needed.
This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. The findings suggest online cardiac rehabilitation may be beneficial, but individual results vary. Before starting any rehabilitation program—online or traditional—consult with your cardiologist or healthcare provider to determine what’s appropriate for your specific condition. This is especially important if you have severe heart disease, recent cardiac events, or other serious health conditions. Always seek immediate medical attention for chest pain, shortness of breath, or other cardiac emergency symptoms.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.