NICE Recommends Digital Platforms for Cardiac Rehab
- The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has conditionally recommended six online platforms to broaden access to cardiac rehabilitation for adults living with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- The approved platforms include Activate Your Heart, D REACH-HF, Digital Heart Manual, Gro Health HeartBuddy, kiactiv, and myHeart.
- Cardiac rehabilitation is a well-established therapy demonstrably effective in reducing the risk of subsequent cardiac events and hospital readmissions.However, participation rates in traditional, in-person programs remain surprisingly low.
Digital Cardiac Rehab: New Options for a Healthier Heart
Table of Contents
Published August 19, 2025
Expanding Access to Life-saving Rehabilitation
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has conditionally recommended six online platforms to broaden access to cardiac rehabilitation for adults living with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This draft guidance, published on the NICE website, allows for a three-year trial period of these technologies across the national Health Service (NHS). The aim is to empower patients to complete their rehabilitation programs from the comfort of their homes, utilizing smartphones, tablets, or computers.
The approved platforms include Activate Your Heart, D REACH-HF, Digital Heart Manual, Gro Health HeartBuddy, kiactiv, and myHeart. These programs offer a comprehensive suite of services, encompassing tailored exercise programs, vital cardiovascular disease education, dietary guidance, medication management support, and even psychological assistance. Several platforms also integrate wearable devices to track activity levels,providing a more personalized experience.
Addressing a Critical Gap in Care
Cardiac rehabilitation is a well-established therapy demonstrably effective in reducing the risk of subsequent cardiac events and hospital readmissions.However, participation rates in traditional, in-person programs remain surprisingly low. Data from 2023 reveals that only 41% of eligible patients with acute coronary syndrome and a mere 13% of those with heart failure in England actually participated in these programs.
These digital platforms are specifically designed to bridge this gap, improving access for individuals who have historically faced barriers to participation. This includes women,younger patients,ethnic minorities,and those whose work,travel commitments,or other life circumstances prevent them from attending in-person sessions.
Evidence Supporting Digital Rehabilitation
The recommendation isn’t based on theory alone. Clinical data already supports the efficacy of several of these platforms. Activate Your Heart has been evaluated in three studies,including two rigorous randomized controlled trials (RCTs). KiActiv has been the subject of two studies, one of which was an RCT, and myHeart has been assessed in two trials, including one RCT published in the European Heart Journal – Digital Health.
These studies suggest that digital rehabilitation can lead to improvements in exercise capacity, better cardiovascular risk profiles, and an enhanced overall quality of life for patients.
| Platform | Number of Studies | RCTs Included |
|---|---|---|
| Activate Your Heart | 3 | 2 |
| KiActiv | 2 | 1 |
| myHeart | 2 | 1 |
What to Expect During the Trial and Beyond
Over the next three years, a wealth of data will be collected on clinical outcomes, patient engagement across diverse demographics, cost-effectiveness, potential adverse events, and comparisons with traditional rehabilitation methods. This data will be crucial in informing a final decision by NICE regarding the wider implementation of these technologies within the NHS.
It’s meaningful to note that NICE emphasizes these platforms should only be used following a thorough clinical assessment by a trained NHS professional. Digital rehabilitation isn’t suitable for everyone, and factors like limited digital literacy or lack of access to necessary devices may present barriers for some patients. clinicians will also need to provide additional support to vulnerable groups,including older adults,individuals with disabilities,those experiencing homelessness,and those for whom English is not their first language.
Further Research Needed
While these six platforms show promise, seven others – Beat better, Datos Health, Get Ready, Luscii Vitals, Pumping Marvellous Cardiac Rehab Platform, R Plus Health, and Sword Move – require further investigation before they can be routinely offered through the NHS. For now, these will only be available within research settings.
A public consultation on these draft recommendations is open until September 3, 2025, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback via the NICE website.