The WRITTEN-HEART study (expressive writing for heart healing): rationale and design of a randomized controlled clinical trial of expressive writing in coronary patients referred to residential cardiac rehabilitation
2011

Expressive Writing for Heart Healing in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Sample size: 92 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gian Mauro Manzoni, Gianluca Castelnuovo, Enrico Molinari

Primary Institution: Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS

Hypothesis

Can expressive writing improve health-related quality of life and psychological outcomes in coronary patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation?

Conclusion

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of expressive writing on improving health-related quality of life and reducing psychological distress in coronary patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • Expressive writing has shown beneficial effects on health-related quality of life and psychological distress.
  • The study will explore the moderating effects of coping styles and perceived emotional support.
  • Previous studies have indicated that expressive writing can lead to improvements in physical health outcomes.

Takeaway

This study is trying to see if writing about feelings can help people with heart problems feel better and live healthier lives.

Methodology

A four-arm randomized controlled trial with follow-up assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge.

Potential Biases

Participants may have biases based on their coping styles and perceived social support.

Limitations

The study may be considered partially explorative due to the lack of prior empirical data for sample size calculations.

Participant Demographics

Coronary patients referred to cardiac rehabilitation, aged under 70, with a diagnosis of coronary heart disease.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1477-7525-9-51

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