Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Remote Exercise to Improve Physical Activity Levels and Markers of Heart Health in Cystic Fibrosis (RHH-CF)

Living longer with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is great, but it means new health challenges, especially heart health. This study wants to find out if a home-based exercise program, done remotely, can help adults with CF become more active. We'll also check if this exercise can improve important things like blood pressure, cholesterol, and other factors linked to heart health. Participants will be split into two groups: one does an 8-week exercise program at home, and the other doesn't change their routine. The exercise program will include both aerobic activities (like walking or cycling) and strength training, adjusted to each person's fitness level. We'll measure activity levels, body weight, waist size, lung function, and take blood samples to see the effects.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Bath

Enrolment target

Start

19 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

19 Sep 2026

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

What is this study about?

Thanks to amazing new treatments, many people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) are now living much longer, healthier lives. This is fantastic news! However, living longer sometimes brings new health considerations, and for people with CF, one of these is heart health. Certain factors, like how the body handles sugar, activity levels, and even some newer medications, can increase the risk of heart-related issues over time. This makes looking after your heart a really important part of CF care.

This study is exploring a way to help people with CF improve their physical activity and heart health. We want to see if being guided through an exercise program from home, without needing to visit a clinic, can make a difference. The main goal is to find out if this remote exercise program can encourage adults with CF to be more physically active. We also want to understand if it can help improve important measures linked to heart health, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are known risk factors for heart disease.

Participants will be placed into one of two groups by chance. One group will follow an 8-week exercise program that they do at home, combining different types of exercises like aerobic activities (to get your heart pumping) and strength training (to build muscles). This program will be adjusted to suit each person's fitness level. The other group will continue with their usual daily activities. We will carefully measure changes in physical activity, body weight, waist size, how well the lungs are working, and check blood samples for things like cholesterol and inflammation markers, both before and after the 8 weeks.

Key takeaways

This study explores a home-based exercise program for adults with Cystic Fibrosis.
It aims to improve physical activity and heart health markers remotely.
Participants will be randomly assigned to exercise or usual activity for 8 weeks.
Measurements include activity, body size, lung function, and blood tests.
The study focuses on adult CF patients (18-65 years old).

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 65 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis (CF). This means your CF has been identified either by having two copies of the faulty CFTR gene, specific results from a sweat test, or if you are currently taking certain CF modulator medicines like Orkambi, Symkevi, or Kaftrio.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of an eating disorder. We also can't include people who have very unstable diabetes, or those currently taking certain medications like statins, or specific blood pressure drugs or antibiotics that could make remote exercise less safe. If you've had a recent, significant change in your body weight (more than 3kg in the last 3 months), or if you're waiting for an organ transplant, have high blood pressure in your lungs, or need long-term oxygen to exercise at home, you wouldn't be able to join.

Finally, if you experience chest pain, dizziness, or pass out during exercise, or if a doctor has specifically told you to limit certain types or amounts of physical activity, this study might not be safe for you. If you're on any treatment for an injury or illness that affects your ability to do physical tasks, or if you can't read or speak English well enough to understand the study information, you also wouldn't be eligible.

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 aged 18-65 with a confirmed diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis?
Are you able to speak and read English?
Are you generally stable in your health and not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Have you been told by a doctor that you are safe to exercise?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will follow an 8-week home exercise programme, which includes both aerobic (like brisk walking) and strength exercises. This programme will be tailored to you. The other group will continue with their usual activities.

Throughout the study, you'll be asked to provide information about your weekly physical activity levels. We will also measure your body weight, waist circumference, and check your lung function using a simple breathing test. You'll need to do some easy home-based finger-prick blood tests before and after the 8-week period. These blood tests will help us look at things like your cholesterol, inflammation, and other important markers related to heart health. You won't need to take any new medications for this study. The total duration of your active participation will be around 8 weeks, plus some initial and final assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part in this study, you might find that your physical activity levels improve, and this could have positive effects on your overall well-being and potentially your heart health markers. While exercise is generally safe, there's always a small risk of muscle soreness or minor injury, particularly as you start a new routine. The research team will guide you on safe exercise practices and adjust the program to your fitness. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Centre for Nutrition, Exercise and Metabolism
Verified postcode
Bath, United Kingdom

Common questions

What kind of exercise will I be doing if I'm in the exercise group?

You'll do a mix of aerobic exercises (like walking or cycling) and strength training designed to be done at home. The exercises will be adjusted to your fitness level.

How often will I need to exercise?

The exercise program will last for 8 weeks. The specific frequency and duration will be discussed and tailored to you by the study team.

Will I have to go to a clinic for appointments?

No, this is a remotely delivered study. The exercise program is home-based, and assessments like blood tests can be done at home using a finger-prick kit.

What happens if I don't want to continue in the study?

You can leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Why are you looking at heart health in people with CF?

With advances in CF treatments, people are living longer, and new health areas like heart health are becoming increasingly important to ensure the best possible long-term health.

How to find out more

Rachel C McDowell

rcm76@bath.ac.uk 01225 388 388 Official trial record

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