Table 1 Components of the cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation program
Brief name | Psychological group | Individual psychological sessions | Relaxation training | Seminar: Heart and psyche | Exercise group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
What (procedures) | The seven sessions cover, amongst others, mindfulness exercises, the ACT matrix, acceptance of negative thoughts, mental flexibility, personal values, and the elaboration of concrete plans for the time after rehabilitation. A more detailed overview of the seven sessions is presented in Additional File 2. | During the admission interview, anamnestic information (including contextual factors such as family, work, and biography) as well as the experience of illness and illness behavior are recorded, and the expectations of the rehabilitation patients are clarified. In addition, at the end of rehabilitation, mental disorders are assessed with a standardized short interview in order to specify further treatment recommendations. | Participants learn progressive muscle relaxation and develop individual ways to apply the technique in everyday life. | The following topics will be covered in the two sessions. Session 1: Structure and function of the heart and cardiovascular system; function of the autonomic nervous system and the hormonal system. Session 2: Control function of the brain and influence of the emotional state; influence of lifestyle and attitude changes on physical processes, especially on the cardiovascular system. | The exercise intervention includes an individual admission assessment by a physical therapist, cardiovascular exercise therapy, ergometer training, strength training, and coordination training in a group. |
Who provided | A psychological psychotherapist or graduated psychologist in psychotherapy training leads the group throughout the rehabilitation and is the primary psychological contact. The primary physical therapist is present at the first and last group meetings. | Psychological psychotherapist or graduated psychologist in psychotherapy training | Psychological psychotherapist or graduated psychologist in psychotherapy training | Physician | The primary physiotherapist leads the group exercise sessions throughout rehabilitation. |
How | Group intervention | Individual intervention | Group intervention | Group intervention | Group intervention |
Where | Quiet group room | Workroom of the primary psychologist | Quiet group room/gym | Quiet group room in the rehabilitation facility | Gym |
When and how much | During the rehabilitation program, seven sessions of 90 min each, in total 630 min | During the rehabilitation program, at least one 60-minute session | During the rehabilitation program, one session of 60 min and eight sessions of 30 min each, in total 300 min | During the rehabilitation program, two sessions of 60 min each, in total 120 min | During the rehabilitation program, individual admission assessment: one sessions of 30 min, cardiovascular exercise therapy: 20 sessions of 30 min each, ergometer training: one session of 60 min and 11 sessions of 30 min each, strength training: 6 sessions of 60 min each, coordination training: 10 sessions of 30 min each, in total 1680 min |