Clinical trials

The objective of this observational study is to gain insight into a new approach to rehabilitation in Austria, with a particular focus on work-specific exercises that are dependent on the specific work-related needs of the patients. Two groups are being observed: one was referred to a three-week work-specific rehabilitation programme immediately upon arrival at the rehabilitation centre, while the other group underwent a three-week medical-focused rehabilitation programme before starting a four-week work-specific rehabilitation programme. Researchers will monitor for indications of improvement following completion of the rehabilitation program. As the two forms of rehabilitation are not directly comparable, they will be observed and analysed as two distinct entities. As part of their regular inpatient rehabilitation, participants will complete questionnaires at designated intervals (beginning and end of stay), with follow-up assessments scheduled at six and 12 months post-rehabilitation.

To handle daily life challenges, one needs to be psychologically resilient. It plays a crucial role in disease development, prognosis, as well as social, occupational, and community participation. Cardiovascular diseases cause physical and psychological stress, which can be linked to individual resilience and the development of such diseases. Stress can trigger TakoTsubo cardiomyopathy and acute coronary events. Individuals who have experienced TakoTsubo cardiomyopathy or an acute coronary event often feel stressed due to emotional or physical triggers. These triggers may include job loss or illness. In medical rehabilitation, therapists consider the individual circumstances of their patients when planning therapy. It may be important to add a special focus on psychological care, including building resilience, which could greatly benefit these individuals. Therefore, the study aims to investigate whether resilience training, as part of an inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation program, affects the individual resilience of rehabilitants with TakoTsubo cardiomyopathy or those who have experienced an acute coronary event.