RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Acute Responses to Exercise in Females and Males With Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation

This research project is exploring how short bursts of exercise affect people with a heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AF), which causes an irregular heartbeat. Specifically, it's comparing two types of exercise – moderate continuous training and high-intensity interval training – with a week of no intense exercise. The aim is to see if exercising makes AF symptoms better, worse, or unchanged in the short term for both men and women. Many people with AF worry that exercise might worsen their symptoms, especially women who often report more symptoms and faster heart rates. By understanding these short-term effects, the study hopes to make it easier for healthcare professionals to recommend suitable exercise for AF patients in the future and to help patients feel more confident in exercising.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation

Enrolment target

Start

08 Feb 2022

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2027

Atrial Fibrillation Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

What is this study about?

This study is looking at how different types of exercise affect people who have atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is a common heart condition that causes an irregular and often fast heartbeat. While regular exercise is generally good for people with AF in the long run, many worry that exercising might actually trigger their symptoms or make them worse in the moment.

Researchers want to understand these immediate effects better. They're comparing two main types of exercise: moderate-intensity exercise, which is steady, and high-intensity interval training, which involves short bursts of hard exercise followed by rest. The study will see how symptoms change in the short term when people with AF do one of these exercise types for a week, compared to a week where they don't do much strenuous exercise. They are also particularly interested in whether these effects are different for men and women, as women sometimes report more AF symptoms and faster heart rates during exercise.

The main goal of this project is to figure out if it's practical to run a larger study like this in the future. The results will help doctors and patients understand what to expect when someone with AF exercises, making it easier to give good advice about physical activity. This could help more people with AF feel confident and safe enough to exercise regularly.

Key takeaways

This study explores how different exercises affect AF symptoms in the short term.
It compares moderate, high-intensity exercise, and a week with no strenuous activity.
Researchers are interested in differences between men and women with AF.
The findings aim to help doctors give better exercise advice for AF patients.
You'll track symptoms and use a small heart monitor during the study.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 40 years old and have either paroxysmal (comes and goes) or persistent (ongoing) atrial fibrillation. Your heart rate should also be controlled, meaning your resting heart rate is usually below 110 beats per minute. You need to have experienced AF symptoms in the last four weeks, and if you're a woman, you should be post-menopausal. You'll also need to be able to read and understand English or French, and be able to do an exercise test.

However, some things would mean you can't take part. For example, if you're already doing regular exercise training, or if you have certain other serious health conditions like unstable angina, uncontrolled diabetes, or specific severe heart valve problems. You also can't participate if you have an implanted defibrillator or certain types of pacemakers. You'll need access to the internet or a smartphone/tablet to take part, and be willing to try all parts of the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 40 years old or older?
Do you have atrial fibrillation (AF) and experience symptoms sometimes?
Is your resting heart rate usually under 110 beats per minute?
If female, have you gone through menopause?
Can you access the internet or use a smartphone/tablet?
Are you able to do an exercise test?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll take part in three different one-week periods. In one week, you'll do exercises at a moderate, steady pace. In another week, you'll do high-intensity interval training, which involves short bursts of harder exercise. And for a third week, you won't do any moderate or vigorous exercise. The order in which you do these weeks will be randomly decided, like drawing names from a hat.

Throughout these weeks, you'll be asked to keep track of your AF symptoms using a questionnaire. Your heart rhythm will also be monitored using a small, portable device called a KardiaMobile ECG. This device allows you to measure your heart's electrical activity with your fingers at home. The study will look at how your symptoms and heart rhythm change during each of these different weeks. The total duration of your active participation, including all three periods and initial assessments, will be explained by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research studies always has some potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is helping researchers understand more about how exercise affects people with atrial fibrillation (AF), which could lead to better exercise advice for AF patients in the future. You might also gain a better understanding of how exercise affects your own AF symptoms. Possible risks could include experiencing temporary AF symptoms or feeling tired during or after the exercise sessions, although the exercise will be carefully planned. You might also find the monitoring enjoyable, but devices can sometimes be inconvenient. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'atrial fibrillation'?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart condition where the heart's upper chambers beat irregularly and often too fast, causing symptoms like palpitations or dizziness.

What kind of exercise will I be asked to do?

You'll be asked to try two types of exercise: moderate-intensity continuous activity (like brisk walking) and high-intensity interval training (short bursts of harder exercise).

Will this study cure my AF?

No, this study is not designed to cure AF. Its purpose is to understand how exercise immediately affects AF symptoms and rhythm for research purposes.

How will my AF symptoms be tracked?

You'll fill out questionnaires about your symptoms, and your heart rhythm will be measured using a small, easy-to-use device called a KardiaMobile ECG.

Can I still take my regular AF medication?

Yes, you should continue with your usual medication as prescribed by your doctor throughout the study. This study is about exercise, not changing medications.

How to find out more

Matheus Mistura

mmistura@ottawaheart.ca 613-696-7000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.