Exercise Prehabilitation in Congenital Heart Disease
Many adults born with heart conditions (congenital heart disease) need heart surgery. We know that getting fit before big operations, called 'prehabilitation', can help people cope better. However, this hasn't been properly studied for adults with heart problems they were born with. This study wants to find out if a special exercise programme before heart surgery can make people fitter. Participants will either get the usual care or join a supervised exercise plan tailored to them. We'll use a routine fitness test (CPET) to create safe exercise plans and see if fitness improves. We also want to know if this exercise programme is practical and helpful for patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When babies are born, about 8 to 12 out of every 1000 have a heart problem they were born with, known as a congenital heart defect. Thanks to big improvements in medical care and surgery, most of these babies now live into adulthood. As they get older, many adults with these heart conditions often need more heart operations.
We know from other types of surgery that getting ready beforehand, often called 'prehabilitation', can be really helpful. This usually means following a short, planned exercise programme before the operation. It can make people fitter and help them recover better. However, this idea has never been properly looked at for adults who need heart surgery because of a condition they were born with.
This study aims to change that. Researchers want to find out if a special exercise programme before heart surgery can improve fitness in adults with congenital heart disease. They also want to see if this type of programme is practical to offer, if patients find it acceptable, and if it leads to real improvements in their physical health.
Key takeaways
- Study explores exercise before heart surgery for adults with congenital heart disease.
- Aims to see if a tailored exercise plan improves fitness and recovery.
- Involves a supervised exercise programme or usual care.
- Exercise plans are personalised and safe, based on a routine fitness test.
- This is the first study of its kind for this patient group.
- Your medical care will not be affected if you choose not to participate or to withdraw.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults who were born with a heart condition and need heart surgery. You'd need to be able to understand what's involved and agree to take part. Also, you should be able and willing to do exercise as part of the study, and your current fitness level, checked by a doctor, should be below a certain point.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your surgery is planned very soon (less than 9 weeks away), or if you are pregnant or have recently given birth (within 6 months). Other health conditions, like certain lung problems, low oxygen levels, or particular heart issues (like severe problems with your heart valves or certain fast heartbeats), would also mean you couldn't take part to keep you safe.
It's important to know that there's no upper age limit for this study; the oldest person treated by this heart service was 78, so age alone won't stop you from joining.
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 an adult with a heart condition you were born with, needing heart surgery?
- Can you understand and agree to take part in the study?
- Are you able and willing to do exercise as part of the plan?
- Is your surgery more than 9 weeks away?
- Are you able to speak and understand English?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. One group will receive the usual care you would expect before heart surgery. The other group will follow a special exercise programme tailored just for them.
This exercise programme will involve supervised sessions over several weeks before your surgery. The exercises will be safe and won't go beyond what your heart and lungs can already handle, as shown by a routine fitness test you'll have. This routine test, called a CPET, involves exercising on a bike while your breathing and heart are monitored. All patients having heart surgery usually have this test anyway.
Before you start, and again after the study period (but before your surgery), you will complete this CPET fitness test. This helps the researchers understand how the exercise programme has affected your fitness. The total time you'd be involved in the study would depend on how long your exercise programme lasts before your surgery.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLiverpool, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'prehabilitation'?
It's a short, structured exercise programme you do before a major operation to help you get fitter and recover better.
What is a CPET test?
It's a routine fitness test where you exercise on a bike while doctors monitor your heart and lungs to see how they work.
Will the exercise be too hard?
No, the exercise will be tailored to your fitness level, based on your CPET test, to make sure it's safe and not too intense.
Why is this study important?
It's the first time researchers are properly checking if exercise before heart surgery helps adults born with heart conditions.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you are free to leave the study at any time, and it won't affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Elen H Hughes, MBBCh
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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