Study Enrollment Closed
Thank you for your interest in our study. We have successfully met our recruitment target and are no longer accepting participants.
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Is there a cost to this program?
No, because this program is being tested as part of a research study from the University of Alberta, there is no cost to be in the program.
How do I sign up?
If you’re interested in joining the program, you can Click Here. You’ll be taken to a form where you’ll be asked to fill out your name and email address. Then, you’ll be redirected to an informed consent and a few surveys.
What is the commitment?
- The time commitment varies depending on which arm of the program you are randomly assigned to. Because this is part of a research study, you will be randomly assigned to start the program right away, or in 12 weeks time.
- The EMPOWER program is 12 weeks long. You’ll be asked to complete the program at least 3 times per week- about 90 minutes each week. In addition to the program activities, you’ll also be asked to complete some surveys which will take about 45 minutes at the beginning and end of the program.
What will I be asked to do?
As part of the EMPOWER program, you’ll be asked to participate in an evidence-based mind-body wellness intervention for at least 90 minutes per week. This program has resulted in significant improvements in anxiety, depression, stress and fatigue in individuals with chronic conditions. A mind-body wellness intervention includes the use of breathwork, meditation, and mindful movement (e.g., yoga poses). You will also be asked to complete some surveys about your health and your experience in the program at the beginning and end of the program.
How do I access the program?
The EMPOWER program is available online via our website. After you sign up for the program and have been assigned a program group, you will be assigned a start date. This will be the day you signed up, or in 12 weeks time. Before the first day of your program, you will receive a link to login to the program website . You can access the program from any internet-connected device like a desktop computer, laptop, phone or tablet.
What is included in the program?
The EMPOWER program has several components including breathwork, meditation, and mindful movement. You’ll also receive weekly tips from a physician or healthcare professional that specializes in cardiovascular disease. You may also receive 1-1 check-ins lasting about 15 minutes each week and/or group sessions each month.
Who can sign up?
At this time, we’re testing this program in adult women (18+) who have experienced a cardiac event.
Who is the research team behind this program?
- The research team behind the EMPOWER program is lead by Dr. Puneeta Tandon, who is a medical doctor and researcher specializing in liver disease and mind-body wellness interventions at the University of Alberta.
- Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley is a Registered Clinical Psychologist in Nova Scotia. She has created content for the Coping Skills Program which contains weekly psychology tips, activities, and games.
- A large team of professionals in tai chi, yoga, meditation, and breathwork have created the weekly guided mindful movement routines.
- You will also hear from a range of medical experts in cardiovascular disease from across North America.
- This research study has been funded by CIHR and approved by the University of Alberta Human Research Ethics Board. REB #Pro00122568