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Research

Theresa Beckie

LawBec Innovation Lab

USF along with LawBec Innovations Lab created HerBeat™

HerBeat™is a home-based cardiac rehabilitation program for women with heart disease using a smartphone application, a smart watch and a health-coach monitored dashboard. This innovative, patient-centered system provides assistance with improving health behaviors (e.g., physical activity, healthy eating, stress management and medication adherence) in real time during daily life.

HerBeat™ provides physical activity assessment and also behavioral interventions and educational videos when they are needed and a chat function providing social support from other patients.

Theresa Beckie, PhD

Theresa M. Beckie, RN, BScN, MN, PhD, FAHA, FAAN-- Principal Investigator and Professor

Dr. Beckie is a professor in the College of Nursing and in the College of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of South Florida. Dr. Beckie received her master and doctoral degree at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Dr. Beckie’s program of research has substantially contributed to the breadth and depth of the science of improving the health behavioral and health outcomes of women with cardiovascular disease. With National Institutes of Health funding, she was the first to develop a motivationally tailored cardiac rehabilitation program specifically for women. The international reputation of her work to understand the environmental and genetic risks for women, their unique physiological and psychosocial risks, and gender-specific barriers to disease self-management, led to contributions to numerous American Heart Association scientific statements including guidelines for preventing cardiovascular disease in women, acute myocardial infarction in women, and performance measures for delivering cardiac rehabilitation. Her current research seeks to improve access to healthcare at a lower cost for improving health outcomes of women with heart disease

Meet the Team

Sriram Chellappan, PhD
Computer Science & Engineering

Arup Kanti Dey, PhD
Computer Science & Engineering

Kaushik Dutta, PhD
Information Systems & Decision Sciences (ISDS)

Avijit Sengupta, PhD
ISDS

Kelly Chaffman, BS
Research Assistant

Neti Sheth, MS
Business Analytics & Information Systems

  • *Wills, W., Athilingam, P., Beckie, T.M. (2023)Exercise-Based Cardiac rehabilitation in Women with Heart Failure: A Review of Enrollment, Adherence, and Outcomes. Heart Failure Reviews. (* PhD student first author) Online ahead of print, April 15. DOI:10.1007/s10741-023-10306-5. [PMID 37059937].

    Beckie, T.M., Sengupta, A., Dey, Arup Kanti, Dutta, K., Ji, M., Chellappan, S. (2024) Effects of a Mobile Health Behavior Change Intervention for Women with Coronary Heart Disease: A Pilot Randomized Trial. Journal of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, 44 (1), 40-48. [PMID 37285601].

    *Sengupta, A.,Chellappan, S., Beckie, T.M., Dutta, K. (2022). Designing a Health-Coach Augmented mhealth System for the Secondary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease among Women. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. 69(6), 3085-3100 (*PhD student first author). DOI: 10.1109/TEM.2020.2997662.

    Ghisi, G., Marzolini, S., Price, J., Beckie, T.M., Mamataz, T., Naheed, A., & Grace, S. (published 8/30/22). Women-Focused Cardiovascular Rehabilitation: An International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Clinical Practice Guideline. Canadian Journal of Cardiology. 38(12), 1786-1798. [PMID: 36085185].

    Lawton, J.S., Tamis-Holland, J., Bangalore, S., Bates, E.R., Beckie, T.M., Bischoff, J.M., Bittle, J.A., Cohen, M.G., Don, C.W., DiMaio, J.M., Fremes, S.E., Gaudino, M.F., Grant, M.C., Goldverger, Z.D., Jaswal, J.B., Kurlansky, P.A., Mehran, R., Metkus, T.S., Rao, S.V., Sabik, J.F., Sellke, F.W., Sharma, G., Yong, C.M., & Zwichenberger, B.A. (2022). 2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation, 135(3): e4-e17 doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001039 [PMID: 34882436]

    El Khoudary, S.R., Aggarwal, B., Beckie, T.M., Hodis, H.N., Johnson, A.E., Langer, R.D., Limacher, M.C., Manson, J.E., Stefanick, M.L., & Allison, M.A. (Dec, 2020). The Menopause Transition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Women: Implications for Timing of Early Preventions. A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 142 (25):e506-532  [PMID: 33251828]

    *Sengupta, A., Beckie, T.M., Dutta, K., Dey, A., & Chellappan, S. (2020).  Usability Study of a Mobile Health Intervention System for Women with Coronary Heart Disease. Journal Medical Informatics Formative Research, June 3; 4(6): e16420 [PMID: 32348270] (*doctoral student first author)

    Santiago de Araujo Pio, C., Beckie, T.M., Varnfield, M., Sarrafzadegan, N, Babu, A.S., Baidya, S., Buckley, J., Chen, S., Gagliardi, A., Heine, M., Khiong, J., Mola, A., Radi, B., Supervia, M., Trani, M., Abreu, A., Moffatt, P.,  & Grace, S. (2020). Promoting Patient Utilization of Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Joint International Council and Canadian Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Position Paper. International Journal of CardiologyJan,2020; 1; 298:1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2019.06.064. [PMID: 31405584]

    Thomas, R.J., Beatty, A.L., Beckie, T.M., Brewer, L., Brown, T.M., Forman, D., Franklin, B., Keteyian, S.J., Kitzman, D.W., Regensteiner, J.G., Sanderson, B.K., Whooley, M.A. (2019). Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation. An AACVPR/ACCF/AHA Scientific Statement.  Circulation, 149(1): e69-e89.  [PMID: 31082266]

    Mehta, L., Beckie, T.M., Watson, K., Wenger, N., Grines, C., Vaccarino, V., Krumholtz, H., DeVon, H., Want, T., Lindley, K., & Johnson, M. (2016). Acute Myocardial Infarction in Women: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 133, 916-947. [PMID: 26811316]

    Beckie, T.M., Fletcher, G., Groer, M., Kip, K., & Ji, M. (2015). Biopsychosocial Health Disparities Among Young Women Enrolled in Cardiac Rehabilitation. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, 35(2), 103-113.  [PMID: 2541222; PMCID: 4342322]

    Beckie, T.M., Beckstead, J., Kip, K., & Fletcher, G. (2014). Improvements in Heart Rate Recovery in Women after Cardiac Rehabilitation Completion. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 29(1), 38-47. [PMID: 23154299; PMCID: 4108986].

    Beckie, T.M. (2014). Biopsychosocial determinants of health and quality of life among young women with coronary heart disease. Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports. 8, 366.

    Beckie, T.M., Beckstead, J.W., Kip, K & Fletcher, G. (2013). Physiological and Exercise Capacity Improvements in Women Completing Cardiac Rehabilitation. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, 33, 16-25. [PMID: 23221809; PMCID: 3543779]

    Cline, J. L., & Beckie, T.M. (2013). The Relationship Between FAM5C SNP (rs10920501) Variability, Metabolic Syndrome, and Inflammation in Women with Coronary Heart Disease. Biological Research for Nursing, 15, 160-166. [PMID 22013132; PMCID: 4108984].

    Cline, J. L., & Beckie, T.M. (2013). The Relationship Between FAM5C SNP (rs10920501) Variability, Metabolic Syndrome, and Inflammation in Women with Coronary Heart Disease. Biological Research for Nursing, 15, 160-166. [PMID 22013132; PMCID: 4108984].

    Mosca, L., Benjamin, E., Berra, K., Bezanson, J.L., Dolor, R.J., Lloyd-Jones, D.M., Newby, L.K, Pina, I.L., Roger, V.L., Shaw, L.J, Zhao, D., Beckie, T.M.  et al. (2011). Effectiveness-based Guidelines for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women: 2011 Update. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 57(12), 1404-1423. [PMID: 21388771]

    Beckie, T.M., Groer, M., & Beckstead, J. (2011). The Association between Polymorphisms on Chromosome 9p21 and Age of Onset of Coronary Heart Disease in Women. Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers, 15(6), 435-442. [PMID: 21375403; PMCID: PMC3101922]

    Beckie, T.M., Beckstead, J., Schocken, D., Evans, M., & Fletcher, G.  (2011). The Effects of a Tailored Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized Clinical Trial. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 48(1), 3-12. [PMID: 20615504; PMCID PMC4108994]

    Beckie, T.M., & Beckstead, J.  (2010). The Effects of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Tailored for Women on Global Quality of Life: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Women’s Health, 19(11), 1977-1985. [PMID: 20846018; PMCID: PMC2995341]

    Beckie, T.M., & Beckstead, J.  (2010). Tailored Cardiac Rehabilitation Improves Quality of Life in Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 39 (S1), S205

    Beckie, T.M. (2006). A behavior change strategy for women in cardiac rehabilitation. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 21(2), 146-153. [PMID: 16601534]

    TAB 4 PRESENTATIONS

    Beckie, T.M. (Nov 2023, podium). Cardiac Rehab – Why Do We Keep Failing? American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, Philadelphia, PA, Nov 11-13.

    Beckie, T.M. (oral presentation, September, 2022). Secondary prevention of diverse women with cardiovascular disease: From challenges to innovations. American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. West Palm Beach, FL, September 19-22, 2022.

    Beckie, T.M. (oral presentation Nov 14, 2021). Lifestyle interventions to reduce CVD risk in perimenopausal women. American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, Boston, MA + Virtual, Nov 15, 2021.

    Lee, D., Tran, N., Zgibor, J., Beckie, T.M., East, S., East, S., Mencer, N., & Fernandez, J. (poster, 2021). Outcomes Based on Social Determinants of Health in Women with Heart failure. 70th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American College of Cardiology, May 15, 2021. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 77 (18), 685, Suppl 1

    Beckie, T.M. (2019, Podium, invited Keynote). A Behavior-Change Theory-Based mHealth Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for Women. International Conference on Health Information Technology Advancement, Nov 1, 2019 Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

    Beckie, T.M. (2019, Podium symposium). A Behavior-Change Theory-Based mHealth Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for Women. Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Research Congress. July 29. 2019, Calgary, AB, Canada.

    Beckie, T.M., & Beckstead, J. (Podium presentation). The Effects of a Tailored Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Perceptions of Health in Women: A Randomized Clinical trial. Southern Nursing Research Society Annual Conference, February 18, 2011, Jacksonville, Florida.

    Beckie, T.M. & Beckstead, J. (2010, Podium presentation). Cardiac Rehabilitation Tailored for Women Improves Quality of Life.  American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, November 13-17, 2010, Chicago, Illinois. Selected as the top 10 percent AHA’s Specialty Conferences in 2010.

    Beckie, T.M., & Beckstead, J. (Podium presentation). Tailored Cardiac Rehabilitation improves quality of life in Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. 31st Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions. Society of Behavioral Medicine. April 7-10, 2010. Seattle, WA. Received Citation award.

    Beckie, T.M. (2010). Cardiac Rehab: Where are the women? 4th Annual Heart of Women’s Health. February 5-6, 2010. Heart House, Washington, D.C.

  • Agency: USF Women’s Health Collaborative Grant
    Title: Social Determinants of Health in Women with Heart Failure: Impact on Hospitalizations
    PI: Dr. Joel Fernandez
    Role: Co-Investigator
    Total costs: $14,622
    Submitted March 25, 2019; funded
    Project period: 2019-2023

    Agency: USF Strategic Investment Pool Award
    Title: Mini Trial of Technology-Assisted Lifelong Cardiac Rehabilitation for Women
    PI: Theresa Beckie, PhD
    Total costs: $98,530; funded
    Project period: 2019-2022

    Agency: USF Women’s Collaborative Grant
    Title: Effects of a Multidisciplinary Cardio-Oncology Intervention on Cardiovascular Health and Quality of Life among Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy
    PI: Michael Fradley
    Total Costs: $15,000; funded
    Role on Project: Co-Investigator
    Project period: April 13, 2015-2021

    Agency: Women in Leadership and Philanthropy Heart Health Faculty Research Award
    Title: A Mobile Health Secondary Prevention Program for Women with Heart Disease: A Feasibility Study
    PI: Theresa Beckie, PhD
    Total costs: $5,000; funded
    Project period: May 2018-2022

    Agency: National Science Foundation
    Title: National I-Corps Program
    PI: Theresa Beckie, PhD
    Total costs: $50,000; funded
    Project period: 2016 – 2018 (#1642602)

    Agency: National Science Foundation
    Sponsor: USF I-Corps Program, USF Research and Innovation
    PI: Theresa Beckie, PhD
    Total costs: $4,000; funded
    Project period: 1/22/16-2/26/16

    Agency: NINR Grant R01 Minority Supplement (3R01NR007678-04S1)
    Title: The Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Subclinical Inflammation in Women with Heart Disease
    PI: Theresa Beckie, PhD
    Total costs: $76,827; funded
    Project period: 2006 - 2009

  • Founder and CEO of Lawbec Innovations, LLC -- a company dedicated to developing mobile health innovations and technology. These advancements are directed to benefit and improve the health of patients with chronic diseases.

  • Theresa M. Beckie, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN
    12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC 22
    Tampa, FL 33612

    Phone: 813-974-9202
    Email: tbeckie@usf.edu