Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of illness and death among older adults, yet fewer than one in five eligible patients ever enroll in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation—the gold standard of treatment. Traditional programs, while effective, are often out of reach for many due to cost, transportation, time demands, and limited access in underserved communities. Older adults face added challenges such as chronic pain and reduced mobility, making participation even more difficult.
Vivo, in collaboration with Tina Brinkley, PhD, lead investigator at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, conducted the Vivo Heart study (NCT05972850) to address these barriers by testing an innovative home-based, virtual rehabilitation model designed specifically for rural older adults living with CVD.
Over a 12-week period, participants engaged in Vivo’s supervised, live and interactive small group exercise classes, personalized dietary counseling, health education, and remote monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and physical activity—all from the comfort of their homes.
“Our partnership with Vivo was invaluable,” said Dr. Brinkley. “We were able to leverage their existing exercise platform and add additional components to develop a program that supports the cardiovascular and functional health of an underserved population.”
Results showed improvements in mobility and endurance, as well as high retention (89%) and adherence (75%), and more than 90% of participants reported high satisfaction with the program.
Study participants noted how the program motivated them to exercise; improved their balance, strength, and flexibility; and won over initial hesitation. “I was really surprised how the different exercises worked for me,” said one participant, “I used muscles I’ve never used.”
“I’m excited by the results of the Vivo Heart study,” shared Vivo’s Director of Research Liz Kemp. “With this study, we were able to reach older adults who have often been left out of traditional cardiac rehab—older adults in rural communities who deserve the same chance to regain their strength and confidence after a heart event. Seeing how Vivo’s classes helped the participants move more, feel better, and reconnect with their health right from home was rewarding.”
The study findings suggest that the Vivo Heart model is not only feasible and acceptable, but also a promising new pathway to make cardiac rehabilitation more accessible, effective, and sustainable for the aging population. Vivo and the Wake Forest University School of Medicine will seek to submit a proposal for a larger research study to the National Institutes of Health in 2026.
For more information, contact Liz Kemp, Vivo’s director of research, at liz@teamvivo.com.