Behavioral Exposure for Introceptive Tolerance RCT

BE-FIT will consist of a 6-session one-on one program with a clinician that are approximately 45 minutes delivered, over the course of 3 weeks (twice/week). Sessions will coincide with scheduled cardiac rehabilitation sessions at RWJ Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. The elements of BE-FIT are (1) psychoeducation about avoidance/anxiety and values clarification and committed action for exercise and lifestyle PA; (2) graded, repeated exposure to bodily sensations and exercise to build tolerance of discomfort; (3) fading safety behaviors and elimination of exercise avoidance behaviors to promote tolerance of uncertainty and reduce catastrophizing; and (4) use of Fitbit activity tracker to facilitate physical activity monitoring and provide physical activity feedback and goal-setting.

HEC is a time-matched control intervention that will be administered on the same delivery schedule as BE-FIT. The intervention content includes: (1) educational information about health topics relevant to healthy aging, and (2) Use of the Fitbit activity watch for PA monitoring. The 6 topics introduced in the HEC include: nutrition, sleep, brain health, emotional health, living with chronic conditions, how to be a smart patient. The health information will be conveyed through lectures and handouts. The goal of sessions will be to provide education, particularly as it relates to healthy aging. Patients will be given the same Fitbit as in the BE-FIT but will not be given PA goals.