Design of a Fully Automated Service to Generate an Individualized Exercise Rehabilitation Program for Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

Physical activity is key in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and as such should also be targeted in the long-term care of patients with congenital heart disease [CHD]. Mounting evidence, derived from small proof of concept studies, shows that patients with CHD can safely exercise and are able to increase their exercise capacity. Yet, the implementation of physical activity and exercise programs is challenging in patients with CHD given the need for a highly individualized approach. Therefore, efforts are needed to further tailor the current exercise prescription recommendations in order to obtain a truly personalized and most likely more effective exercise rehabilitation program in terms of adherence and health benefits. Here we propose the design of a fully automated service for the generation of an individualized, patient tailored exercise rehabilitation program for adults with CHD. This computer based information system will consider individual patient data to ensure safety, effectiveness as well as attractiveness in order to automatically propose an exercise prescription. This prescription will consist of the short and mid-term exercise goal for the patient to target. Moreover, the system will propose a structured exercise program in order to gradually work toward achieving the goals. The system will support CHD specialists in prescribing detailed, understandable and effective exercise and physical activity programs according to patient needs and wants, based on quantified information on cardiac status, exercise performance, physical activity level and patient preferences. As such, this work contributes to the development of computer-assisted systems targeting at personalized medicine and ultimately better health outcomes in CHD.