Table 1 Description of intervention and usual care groups
|  | Progressive moderate-intensity CV training | Low intensity ‘standard care’ exercise |
|---|---|---|
Frequency | 2/week Clinic-based supervised sessions 3/week home exercise program | 2/week Clinic-based supervised sessions 3/week home exercise program |
Training duration | Target duration: 30 min Commenced at 5 to 10 min. Progressed each session (as tolerated) until 30 min. (10 min bouts with rest breaks allowed as required) | Weeks 1–4: 10 min duration Weeks 5–8: 20 min Weeks 9–12: 30 min (actual exercise time, not including rest breaks and set-up) |
Training intensity | Moderate intensity (40–59% HRR) calculated each session using Karvonen method: Target Heart Rate = (Heart Rate Reserve x %intensity (VO2)) + Heart Rate rest Intensity commenced at 40% HRR IF target duration achieved, intensity progressed by 5% increments as tolerated. BORG-RPE 11–13. | Low intensity < 40% HRR BORG RPE < 11 40% HRR calculated each session using Karvonen formula |
Program length | 12 weeks | 12 weeks |
Training mode | Upright stationary cycle ergometer; recumbent bike; treadmill; upper limb ergometer; stepper; cross-trainer; stairs. | Upright stationary cycle ergometer (maximum 5 min per session), walking in rails or gym, standing balance, basic strengthening (slow squats, seated quadriceps extension) and bed-based exercises. |
Delivery mode | Face to face individual or small group session (maximum 3 participants) | Face to face individual or small group session (maximum 3 participants) |
Location | Physiotherapy gym in a community rehabilitation service (outpatient) of tertiary metropolitan hospital | Physiotherapy gym in a community rehabilitation service (outpatient) of tertiary metropolitan hospital |
Home exercise program | 3 sessions/week once safe to self-monitor Parameters matched supervised sessions | 3 sessions/week once safe to self-monitor Parameters matched supervised sessions |