Heart attack recovery gets a buddy system: patient partners boost exercise

This study tested whether having a 'patient partner' (a fellow heart attack survivor) alongside a healthcare professional helps people stay physically active after cardiac rehab. 84 adults who had a heart attack and completed phase 2 rehab were split into two groups. One group got the usual care, while the other also worked with a patient partner. The goal was to see if this approach increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (like brisk walking) measured by an accelerometer after 6 months.