About
Heart failure has the highest re-hospitalization rates among all chronic diseases. With an aging population, the current cost of treatment of heart failure is projected to increase significantly in the near future.
Exercise has been found to be safe and helpful in managing symptoms of heart failure. Dr. Pallav Deka’s research investigates strategies using modern technology and equipment for bringing about positive behavior changes through social engagement, an essential element for bringing about lifestyle/behavioral changes. Even though the beneficial effects of regular exercise is well known, it is a struggle for most people to adhere to recommended exercise guidelines.
Through his program of research, Dr. Deka is able to combine his
role as an exercise physiologist and a nurse researcher. In general, his interest is investigating the physiological effects of sports and exercise, both in healthy and clinical populations. His passion is in helping improve lives by investigating methods and strategies to bring about behavioral changes specifically to improve adherence to exercise.
His main population of focus is patients with cardiac problems, specifically heart failure patients. Dr. Deka’s funded pilot study was a theory-based experimental trial that sought to improve adherence to recommended exercise guidelines in heart failure patients by improving peer-to-peer engagement with the use of modern technological devices. This PhD dissertation pilot study, funded by the 2016 Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)/Center for Advancement in Nursing Sciences Dissertation grant, won the 2017 Outstanding Dissertation Award from the MNRS—Health Promoting Behaviors across the Lifespan Research Interest Group.
Dr. Deka has established research collaborations with researchers from diverse fields in health care and exercise science. He has published
in peer-reviewed journals, in and outside of nursing, and sits on the review board for the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, and the British Medical Journal-Global Health. He is also the Chair-Elect for the MNRS Health Promoting Behaviors across the Lifespan Research Interest Group.