Psychodynamic Motivation and Training Program (PMT)

• Change in individual anaerobic threshold according to lactate kinetics during spiroergometry [ Time Frame: 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

• Change in quality of life according to the EQ-5D [ Time Frame: 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Change in the severity of impairment by angina symptoms according to the Seattle Angina Questionnaire [ Time Frame: 6 Months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Change in the self-rated habitual physical activity according to the Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire [ Time Frame: 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Change in endothelial function according to the flow mediated dilatation [ Time Frame: 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Change in high density lipoprotein levels [ Time Frame: 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Change in biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative burst [ Time Frame: 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Change in fatigue according to the Maastricht Questionnaire [ Time Frame: 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Change in illness perception [ Time Frame: 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  (Illness perception as measured with the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire)
  
  
• Change in maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max) [ Time Frame: 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Change in body mass index [ Time Frame: 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  (BMI kg/m²)
  
  

Nonpharmacological secondary prevention of coronary heart disease is considered to be a safe and effective measure for reducing mortality substantially. Major targets are the improvement of physical activity and dietary habits, smoking cessation and stress reduction. Despite the effectiveness of life style changes, the compliance rate of patients is very low. To improve compliance with life style change programs psychotherapeutic interventions appear to have significant potential. Against this background our study aims to examine the effectiveness of a Psychodynamic Motivation and Training Program (PMT) in addition to one session of advice in exercise training based on the results of spiroergometry (+EX) and usual cardiological care (TAU). PMT will be compared with +Ex and TAU. N = 90 patients with stable coronary artery disease class, low physical activity, class I to III angina pectoris will be randomly assigned to the three treatment conditions. The Primary efficacy endpoint is change in the anaerobic threshold from baseline to 6 month follow-up. The results of the study will 1) help to determine the effectiveness of a psychodynamic life style change programs for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease and 2) will help to identify measures for designing specifically tailored interventions to improve compliance with cardiovascular prevention.