Presented by: Antonella Rica, MS, RD, CDN; Galina D. Kitchens, PT, PhD

Disclosures: None

1.25 CEUs: AACVPR, ACSM, AMA, ANCC, AARC, CDR

An interdisciplinary presentation from the perspective of a psychologist and a dietitian regarding the use of Motivational Interviewing, an empirically validated approach to promoting behavioral and lifestyle change, by various disciplines involved in Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab programs. The use of Motivational Interviewing techniques by medical professionals has been widely shown to improve treatment adherence and outcomes. The session, recorded at the 2025 Annual Meeting, will include introduction to Motivational Interviewing techniques and rationale, detailed instructions on use of these techniques with patients who are struggling to make positive health and behavioral changes in their lives as well as ways to address low motivation and resistance to change. The session will incorporate small group exercises and roleplay to promote learning of the techniques. 

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the key concepts and steps in motivational interviewing.
2. Describe the use of motivational interviewing in Cardiac/Pulmonary rehabilitation programs and identify ways it can produce better results with patients than other instructional or interviewing methods.
3. Use MI techniques to facilitate readiness for change.
4. Identify motivation for change by recognizing and reinforcing change talk.

Presented by: Ash Walker, DHSc., MA, ACSM-RCEP, FAACVPR; Katherine Menson, DO

Disclosure: None

1.25 CEUs: AACVPR, ACSM, AMA, ANCC, AARC, CDR

The newest edition of the AACVPR's Guidelines for Pulmonary Rehabilitation is scheduled for release later this year. This session, recorded at the 2025 Annual Meeting, will focus on the newest updates to these guidelines as well as principles for their application into your program.

Learning Objectives:
1. List three new updates to the guidelines for the provision of pulmonary rehabilitation.
2. Name ways to implement two of these guidelines into your program.
3. Develop a strategy for the implementation of further guidelines into your program.

Presented by: 

Michael Thompson, PhD, FAHA | Cardiac Rehabilitation Adherence Varies Widely Across Facilities

Sulamunn Coleman, PhD | The Impact of Liaison-Facilitated CR Referral Practices on Hospital Enrollment Rates in the US

Sulamunn Coleman, PhD | Tracking Changes in Depression, Anxiety, And Kinesiophobia from Hospitalization To 5 Months of Recovery

Catherine Griswold, MS, MBA | The Impact of Liaison-Facilitated CR Referral Practices on Hospital Enrollment Rates in the U.S.

Jacqueline Pierce, PT, CCS, CCRP | S.T.O.P Dyspnea in The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Population

Diann Gaalema, PhD, FAACVPR | Disparities in Older Adults by Sex in Cardiac Rehabilitation Attendance and Its Association with Reductions in Mortality After ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction

Disclosures: Michael Thompson, PhD, FAHA - Grant/Research Support at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; Sulamunn Coleman, PhD - Nothing to disclose; Catherine Griswold, MS, MBA - Nothing to disclose; Jacqueline Pierce, PT, CCS, CCRP - Nothing to disclose; Diann Gaalema, PhD, FAACVPR - Nothing to disclose 

1.25 CEUs: AACVPR, ACSM, AMA, ANCC, AARC, CDR

This session, recorded at the 2025 Annual Meeting, authors will present their peer-reviewed research in a specific topic area, and presentations will be moderated by experts in the field 

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss abstract research findings 
2. Assess nature and execution of research
3. Analyze abstract research findings

Presented by: Carl J. Lavie, Jr., MD, FACC, FACP, FCCP; Theresa Beckie, PhD; Lenny Kaminsky, PhD, MAACVPR 

Disclosures: None 

1.0 CEUs: AACVPR, ACSM, AMA, ANCC, CDR

This session, recorded at the 2025 Annual Meeting, will provide participants with a review of the recently published AACVPR Position Statement entitled: Volume of exercise to Optimize Outcomes in Cardiac Rehabilitation. The central components of the exercise prescription including frequency, intensity, time, mode, and progression. An overview of the goals for the volume of aerobic exercise to optimize long-term outcomes for participants in cardiac rehabilitation will be provided. Examples are provided to illustrate how to integrate the various aspects of the exercise prescription to achieve the optimal volume of aerobic exercise. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe the central components of the exercise prescription in cardiac rehabilitation
2. Identify the goals for the volume of aerobic exercise for participants in cardiac rehabilitation
3. Discuss the strategies for integrating the components of the exercise prescription to achieve the optimal volume of aerobic exercise in cardiac rehabilitation

Presented by: Matthew Thomas, MBA, MS, RCEP, FAACVPR 

Disclosures: None 

1.0 CEUs: AACVPR, ACSM, AMA, ANCC, CDR

This session, recorded at the 2025 Annual Meeting, will explore key strategies for developing a robust and sustainable Phase I Cardiopulmonary Rehab program. We will discuss the early mobilization protocols, strategies for securing administrative buy-in, optimal staffing models, and practical approaches to enhancing patient conversion (adherence/attendance) to Phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation. Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical tools to improve or create their own Phase 1 program. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe the benefits of early mobilization in Phase 1 cardiac rehabilitation and identify key components of successful early mobilization protocols
2. Develop strategies for obtaining administrative buy-in and securing necessary resources to support a robust Phase 1 delivery
3. Analyze staffing models and identify appropriate staffing levels and skill sets to ensure safe and effective delivery of Phase 1 services
4. Implement strategies to enhance patient adherence to Phase 1 and facilitate a smooth transition to Phase 2 services, including strategies for improving enrollment and adherence

Presented by: 

Kellie Hoehing, MS | Pre-Frailty Is Associated With Poorer Cardiorespiratory Fitness In Patients With Heart Failure

Mindy Kibbey, PhD | Fall Risk and Fear of Falling Among Older Adults In Cardiac Rehabilitation

Ashley Carlisle, MS | Measures of Baseline Physical Function as Predictors of Improved Functional Capacity and Incidence of Adverse Events in Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients

Raghad Tawalbeh, RN, MSN | “We Empower Our Patients and Keep Our Staff Sharp” Best Practices in Performance Measures Among High-Performing Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs

Tanesha Beebe-Peat, MD | Cardiac Rehabilitation Outcomes of Medicaid Patients 

Disclosures: None 

1.0 CEUs: AACVPR, ACSM, AMA, ANCC, AARC, CDR

The Beginning Investigator Award is given to outstanding researchers who are within five years of their latest degree or final training (i.e., fellowship, residency) and who have not previously won the award. Five scientific abstracts are chosen as finalists for this award, and each is given a platform presentation during a special session recorded at the AACVPR Annual Meeting. The presentations are then judged by the AACVPR Research Committee. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss abstract research findings
2. Assess nature and execution of research
3. Analyze abstract research findings.

Presented by: Ashley Carlisle, MS; Carmen Terzic, MD, PhD; Bryan J. Taylor, PhD, FACSM 

Disclosures: Ashley Carlisle, MS - Nothing to disclose; Carmen Terzic, MD, PhD - Know How Agreement with Kento Health Inc; Bryan J. Taylor, PhD, FACSM - Nothing to disclose 

1.0 CEUs: AACVPR, ACSM, AMA, ANCC, AARC, CDR

This session, recorded at the 2025 Annual Meeting, will discuss the evolving research and society guidelines recommend exercise and/or cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for several special populations. In this breakout session, we will detail the potential benefits of innovative and current evidence-based CR approaches in individuals post aortic dissection, in those with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or spinal cord injury (SCI), and in oncocardiology patients. We will identify knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to allow optimal delivery of CR in these patients, and emphasize the challenges and strategies in managing such individuals. Our aim is to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to optimize care for these unique patient groups. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Summarize the evidence that exercise training and/or cardiac rehabilitation is beneficial in people post aortic dissection, in those with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or spinal cord injury (SCI), and in oncocardiology patients
2. Discuss the specific challenges and management strategies in cardiac rehabilitation for patients post aortic dissection, in those with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or spinal cord injury (SCI), and in oncocardiology patients
3. Describe the key considerations for exercise prescription and apply innovative strategies to tailor rehabilitation programs that meet the unique needs of these special populations, enhancing individual outcomes
4. Discuss practical applications and case insights to integrate into everyday clinical practice

Presented by: Gerene S. Bauldoff, RN, PhD, MAACVPR 

Disclosures: Royalties at Pearson Higher Education Publishing 

1.0 CEUs: AACVPR, ACSM, AMA, ANCC, AARC, CDR

This session, recorded at the 2025 Annual Meeting, discusses the importance of assessment and education regarding sex and intimate behaviors for patients enrolled in pulmonary rehabilitation. Topics include pathophysiologic changes and pharmacotherapies that impact sexual function. Also discussed are professional development activities to reduce staff discomfort when interacting with their patients on this topic. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. List 3 chronic lung disease pathophysiologic changes that negatively impact sexual performance
2. Discuss the impact of common pharmacotherapies used in chronic lung disease and their impact on sexual function
3. Describe sexual activities and positions that reduce pulmonary symptoms during intimate behaviors
4. List staff education activities to promote comfort in approaching the topic of sex with PR patients

Presented by: Virginia (Ginny) Dow, RN, BSN, BC, CCRP; Julia Elliott, RD, LDN 

Disclosures: None 

1.0 CEUs: AACVPR, ACSM, AMA, ANCC, AARC, CDR

This session, recorded at the 2025 Annual Meeting, will discuss how individuals with metabolic syndrome are at a 2-fold and 5-fold greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes, respectively. This is particularly troubling when considering the steady rise in the number of individuals with metabolic syndrome. Intervening early and supporting individuals with metabolic syndrome can help slow the progression of chronic health conditions, improve health span, and lower the resulting financial burdens at the individual and system wide level. The Emerson Metabolic Syndrome program was created to do precisely this with a multidisciplinary staff delivering tailored lifestyle interventions. The program follows evidence-based practices that leverage a small group model targeting health promotion and behavior change. In addition to reviewing the program's design and implementation considerations, we will review patient experiences, success stories, and troubleshooting considerations. Existing secondary prevention programs should strongly consider adopting a similar model if we wish to make a significant impact on saving a million lives. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe criteria and prevalence for metabolic syndrome in both men, women and minorities 
2. Discuss impact of metabolic disease on risk for heart disease and diabetes, in particular microvascular disease, MINOCA, risk of MI 
3. Describe steps to implement a metabolic prevention program in the cardiac rehab setting Discuss metabolic syndrome case studies, patient outcomes , program successes and roadblocks from past 17 years

Presented by: Quinn Pack, MD, MSc; Todd M. Brown, MD, MSPH, FACC, FAHA, MAACVPR; Kate Maude 

Disclosures: Quinn Pack, MD, MSc - Grant/Research Support (NIH); Todd M. Brown, MD, MSPH, FACC, FAHA, MAACVPR - Nothing to disclose; Kate Maude - Nothing to disclose 

1.0 CEUs: AACVPR, ACSM, AMA, ANCC, CDR

This session, recorded at the 2025 Annual Meeting, will update attendees on the work of the Data Analytic Center, present preliminary data from the registries from both AACVPR-initiated and investigator-initiated research projects, and outline the process for research submissions.

 Learning Objectives: 

1. Discuss the purpose and mission of the AACVPR Data Analytics Center. 
2. Discuss the variables and content of the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Registry. 
3. Describe the current research projects that have been completed by the DAC team in 2024 and 2025. Describe the process to submit ideas for publications.