CompletedInterventional

A feasibility study of using a novel lifestyle change programme (Super Rehab) to reverse coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease happens when the blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed or furred up with fatty plaques. People with this condition often have metabolic syndrome too, which includes high blood pressure, raised blood sugar, and extra weight around the waist. Doctors usually treat these problems with daily tablets or heart surgery. This study, run at the Royal United Hospitals Bath, tests a new programme called 'Super Rehab'. It combines closely supervised, high-intensity exercise with expert nutrition advice over 12 months. Researchers want to find out if this approach can actively reduce furring in the heart arteries, rather than just slowing it down. Participants are randomly placed into either the Super Rehab group or a usual care group. The findings will help doctors decide whether a full-scale NHS trial is practical.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 Feb 2022

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2023

Coronary artery disease

What is this study about?

Coronary artery disease is one of the most common heart conditions in the UK. Over time, fatty deposits build up inside the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle, causing them to narrow. Many people with heart disease also live with a group of health issues known as metabolic syndrome. This includes carry extra weight around the tummy, having high blood pressure, and having high blood sugar or unhealthy cholesterol levels. While standard medications and surgical procedures help manage symptoms, they can involve side effects and do not always tackle the underlying lifestyle causes.

Doctors know that moving more and eating well improves heart health, but there is limited proof that lifestyle changes can actually reverse artery furring once it starts. The 'Super Rehab' study aims to change that. It tests whether an intensive, carefully supervised programme of vigorous exercise and healthy eating can shrink artery plaques and calm inflammation in the blood vessels.

Because this is a feasibility study, researchers want to see how practical the programme is before offering it widely across the NHS. They need to know if patients enjoy the sessions, whether they can stick with the new habits as personal supervision reduces, and if the testing procedures run smoothly. If successful, the results will pave the way for a larger UK trial that could transform how the NHS treats heart disease.

Key takeaways

Tests whether an intensive exercise and diet programme can reverse furred-up heart arteries.
Open to adults aged 18 to 75 with stable coronary artery disease and metabolic syndrome.
Runs for 12 months with comprehensive heart scans and fitness assessments throughout.
Half of the participants receive one-to-one exercise and nutrition support; the other half receive standard NHS care.
Organised by Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 to 75 who have confirmed coronary artery disease. A heart CT scan must show some narrowing and inflammation in the heart's arteries.

Participants also need to have metabolic syndrome. In simple terms, this means meeting at least three specific health measures, such as a larger waist measurement, treated or untreated high blood pressure, raised blood sugar, or abnormal blood fat levels like high triglycerides or low 'good' HDL cholesterol.

People with very severe or unstable heart disease—such as major blockages in their main heart artery that require immediate surgery—cannot take part. Everyone who joins must be well enough to safely take part in high-intensity workouts, which the hospital team will check before anyone begins.

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 between 18 and 75 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with coronary artery disease (narrowing of the heart arteries)?
Do you have a larger waist size (over 94cm for men or 80cm for women)?
Have you been told you have high blood pressure, raised blood sugar, or abnormal cholesterol?
Are you able and willing to take part in regular exercise sessions if approved by a doctor?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in the study lasts for about 12 months. Before starting, everyone has thorough heart safety checks, including a heart CT scan and a supervised exercise test to make sure vigorous activity is safe for them. You will then be placed by chance (like flipping a coin) into one of two groups: the Super Rehab group or the usual care group.

If you are in the Super Rehab group, you will attend one-to-one, supervised high-intensity exercise sessions and regular meetings with a dietary advisor for the first 10 weeks. Over the rest of the year, personal supervision gradually reduces to help you build confidence in maintaining these habits on your own. If you are in the usual care group, you will continue with your standard NHS treatments, and you will receive the Super Rehab educational guides and introductory sessions at the end of the study. All participants will attend hospital visits at the start, middle, and end of the year for health questionnaires, fitness checks, and heart scans.

Potential risks and benefits

Joining the Super Rehab group may improve your overall fitness, energy levels, and heart health, while helping you learn lasting lifestyle habits. Even if you are in the usual care group, you will receive full lifestyle guides and taster sessions once the trial finishes. Strenuous exercise carries a small, short-term risk of heart strain or muscle injury, but the study team minimizes this by carrying out detailed heart checks beforehand and supervising your workouts closely. All routine scans and fitness tests are standard and safe. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind and leave the study at any time without it affecting your regular NHS care.

Locations (2)

Royal United Hospital
Approximate
Bath, England
North Bristol NHS Trust
City only
Bristol, England

Common questions

What is 'Super Rehab'?

It is an intensive lifestyle programme that combines personalised, high-intensity exercise training with expert dietary advice to help improve heart health.

Do I have to pay to take part?

No. The study is funded by the NHS National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and hospital charity funds, so all sessions and tests are free.

Can I choose which group I am in?

No. A computer randomly puts participants into either the Super Rehab group or the usual care group to make sure the comparison is fair.

What happens if I cannot keep up with the exercise?

All workouts are tailored to your personal fitness level and closely monitored by specialists to keep you safe and comfortable throughout.

Will I have to stop my usual heart medicines?

No. You will continue taking your normal prescribed medications unless your own doctor or cardiologist decides to change them.

How to find out more

Jonathan Rodrigues

j.rodrigues1@nhs.net +44 1225 821174 Official trial record

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