Evaluation of Exercise Testing and Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents Living With Inherited Arrhythmias
This research is for children and teenagers aged 6 to 16 who have inherited heart rhythm conditions like Long QT syndrome or CPVT. We want to understand how exercise affects their hearts in daily life compared to in a controlled test. Currently, exercise advice for these conditions is based on adult studies and expert opinions, not specifically for children. Participants will do a routine exercise test on a treadmill. They will also wear a special monitor for two weeks to track their daily physical activity and heart rate, and keep a simple diary. By comparing these measurements, we hope to find better ways to provide exercise advice and tailor treatments more effectively for young people with these conditions.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study aims to understand how exercise affects the hearts of children and teenagers who have certain inherited heart conditions that cause abnormal heart rhythms. Conditions like Long QT syndrome and Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT) are passed down through families and can affect how the heart beats, especially during exercise.
Currently, when doctors give advice about exercise to young people with these conditions, they often rely on information gathered from adults or general expert opinions. This study wants to find out if the heart rate a child reaches during a supervised exercise test on a treadmill is a good reflection of the heart rates they reach during their normal daily activities. Exercise tests are often used to check how the heart responds to effort and to see if medications are working well.
The main goal is to gather more accurate information specific to children and teenagers. By comparing heart rates from controlled tests with heart rates from everyday life, the researchers hope to develop better, more personalised exercise advice and treatment plans for young people with inherited heart rhythm problems. This could help ensure they get the right guidance for staying active safely.
Key takeaways
- Study for children aged 6-16 with inherited heart rhythm conditions.
- Compares heart rate during exercise tests to daily activities.
- Involves a treadmill test and wearing an activity monitor for two weeks.
- Aims to create better, child-specific exercise guidance.
- No new medications are involved in this study.
- Participation is voluntary; you can stop at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for two main groups of young people. The first group includes boys and girls aged 6 to 16 who have been diagnosed with Long QT syndrome or Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT). They should be taking specific medications for their heart condition, like beta-blockers, and be able to use an exercise treadmill.
The second group is for healthy boys and girls, also aged 6 to 16. These might be siblings of children with these heart conditions who have been tested and found not to have the condition. They also need to be able to run on an exercise treadmill.
You cannot take part if you are younger than 6 or already 17 or older. You also can't join if you have a physical problem that stops you from using a treadmill, or if you are pregnant. Because the study doesn't have translation services, you need to be able to speak and understand English to participate.
- Are you between 6 and 16 years old?
- Do you have Long QT syndrome or CPVT (or are you a sibling without the condition)?
- Are you able to run or walk on a treadmill?
- Can you speak and understand English?
- Are you female and not pregnant?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will first complete a standard exercise test on a treadmill at the hospital. This test helps doctors see how your heart responds when you're active. After this, you will be given a special monitor to wear.
You will wear this activity and heart rate monitor for two weeks during your normal daily routine. It will quietly record your physical activity and heart rate. During these two weeks, you will also keep a simple digital diary to note down your activities. At the end of the two weeks, you will fill out a short questionnaire about your physical activity. There are no changes to your current medication or treatment required for this study, and the total duration from start to finish will be approximately two weeks after your initial exercise test.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Great Ormond Street HospitalLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Royal Brompton HospitalSutton, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is an 'inherited arrhythmia'?
It's a heart condition passed down through families that can make your heart beat in an unusual rhythm.
Will I have to take new medicine for this study?
No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. You will continue with your usual prescribed treatment.
How long will I need to wear the activity monitor?
You will wear a small monitor for two weeks to track your daily physical activity and heart rate.
What is a treadmill exercise test?
It's a test where you walk or run on a treadmill while doctors watch how your heart responds to the effort.
What will my information be used for?
Your information will help researchers understand how to give better, more suitable exercise advice to children and teenagers with inherited heart conditions.
How to find out more
Catherine E Renwick
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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