Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation continues to play an increasingly important role in the long-term care of people with cardiovascular disease. Today, the focus is not only on whether exercise should be part of cardiac rehabilitation, but also on how evidence-based recommendations can be translated into safe, effective and sustainable rehabilitation programs in everyday clinical practice.
With this in mind, we would like to share an upcoming educational opportunity that may be of interest to you and to healthcare professionals and customers working in cardiac rehabilitation within your network.
International HEACR Academy
How to Set Up an Exercise-Based Multimodal Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Date: 18–20 September 2026
Location: German Sport University Cologne, Germany
Organized in cooperation with the Institute for Cardiology and Sports Medicine, Department of Preventive and Rehabilitative Sport and Exercise Medicine at the German Sport University Cologne, and the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, the conference is designed for healthcare professionals, exercise physiologists, and rehabilitation specialists seeking practical guidance on setting up effective cardiac rehabilitation programs.
Expert Speakers
The event features an impressive lineup of speakers:
- Prof. Dr. Birna Bjarnason Wehrens (DSHS Cologne, Germany)
- Prof. Dr. Arto Hautala (University of Jyväskylä, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Finland)
- Dr. Roland Nebel (Klinik Roderbirken, Germany)
- jun. Prof. Dr. Thomas Schmitt (DSHS Cologne, Germany)
- Heike Jeß & Thomas Berg (AmKaRe Köln GmbH, Germany)
Scientific Program Highlights
Friday, 18 September – Participants will begin with registration and a welcome session, followed by in-depth discussions on the design and implementation of cardiac rehabilitation programs, including:
- Exercise training as a core component
- Multidomain and interdisciplinary rehabilitation programs
- Muscular strength assessment and functional capacity testing
- Cycle ergometry and cardiopulmonary exercise testing
Saturday, 19 September – The focus shifts to practical applications and safety in training patients with cardiac and metabolic conditions:
- Endurance and resistance training for coronary artery disease, heart failure, and diabetes
- Monitoring exercise safety and program implementation
- Case studies of inpatient multimodal cardiac rehabilitation
- Evening social event: Experience a traditional German brewery in Cologne
Sunday, 20 September – The final day includes a hands-on visit to the AMKARE outpatient cardiac rehabilitation center:
- Guided tour and presentation of center structure, equipment, and quality standards
- Endurance and resistance training demonstrations
- Functional mobility and physical performance assessments
- Feedback and farewell
This event offers a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to gain practical insights, learn evidence-based methods, and network with international leaders in cardiac rehabilitation.
For further information please contact: akademie@ergoline.com