RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Exercise Intervention as an Adjunct to Medical Therapy in Newly Diagnosed Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

This research wants to see if starting an exercise programme soon after being diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension can make a difference. It aims to find out if combining exercise with standard medicines improves how fit patients feel and their overall mental wellbeing, more than just taking medicines alone. The study will also explore if providing ongoing support helps people continue to exercise over a longer period. Half the participants will do the exercise programme first, and the other half will do it later for comparison. All exercises will be done at home with remote guidance from the research team.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Golden Jubilee National Hospital

Enrolment target

Start

02 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2028

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

What is this study about?

Imagine you've just been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, a condition that affects the arteries in your lungs. This study is like a special investigation to see if adding exercise to your usual medication can help you feel better, both physically and mentally. The researchers want to know if getting active early on can improve how far you can walk, your general quality of life, and your mood.

The idea is that if exercise helps, it could become a bigger part of how people manage their condition. They will also look at whether having a bit of extra help and encouragement after you finish an exercise programme makes it easier to keep up with being active in the long term. This is important because staying active can have many benefits for your health.

To figure this out, some people will start an exercise programme at home, supervised remotely by the research team, about three months after their diagnosis. Others will continue with just their medication for a while longer before starting the exercise. This allows the researchers to compare the two groups and understand the true impact of the exercise programme.

Key takeaways

This study explores how exercise impacts people newly diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension.
It aims to improve fitness, quality of life, and mental wellbeing.
The exercise programme is home-based and remotely supervised.
Participants will start the exercise at different times for comparison.
Long-term support for continuing exercise will also be tested.
All exercises and check-ups are part of the study and fully supported by the research team.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be 18 years old or older and have recently been diagnosed with a specific type of pulmonary hypertension (Group I or non-operable Group IV). This diagnosis is usually confirmed by a test called a right heart catheterisation, which measures pressures in your heart and lungs. You also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part in writing.

There are some conditions that mean you can't join. For example, if your pulmonary hypertension is caused by certain other heart or lung problems (like Group II or Group III), or if it's a type (operable Group IV) that can be treated with surgery. You also can't be in the study if you're already trying a different experimental medicine or if your doctor thinks exercising at home might not be safe for you.

Other reasons you might not be able to join include if your pulmonary hypertension causes you to faint frequently when you start exercising, or if you have another very serious medical condition that would make it hard to participate. Finally, if doctors believe you have a life expectancy of less than three months, then this study isn't suitable.

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 18 years old or older?
Have you recently been diagnosed with specific types of pulmonary hypertension (Group I or non-operable Group IV)?
Are you able to agree to take part in writing?
Do you have any other serious medical conditions that might stop you from exercising safely at home?
Are you currently having treatment with an experimental medicine as part of another trial?
Do you experience frequent fainting spells related to your pulmonary hypertension when you try to exercise?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be organised into one of two groups. Both groups will be taking their usual pulmonary hypertension medications. If you're in the first group, you'll start a 12-week exercise programme at home about three months after your diagnosis. This programme will be guided and supervised remotely by the research team, meaning you'll have regular contact and support.

If you're in the second group, you'll continue with your medication only for about three more months. After this, you will then start the same 12-week home-based exercise programme. At the end of these 12 weeks of exercise, everyone will visit the clinic for check-ups and tests. You'll also be asked to keep a diary of your exercise and how you're feeling throughout the study.

After everyone has finished their exercise programme, you'll be randomly chosen to either receive extra support to help you continue exercising, or you'll be asked to continue exercising on your own. All participants will have a final check-up after one year to see how much exercise they are still doing. The total duration of your active involvement in the study will vary depending on which group you are in, but the exercise programme itself lasts 12 weeks, with follow-ups for up to a year.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help you improve your fitness, quality of life, and overall wellbeing. Some people might find that the exercise programme helps them feel better and more active. There's also the chance that the extra support provided could help you maintain a regular exercise routine, which is beneficial for long-term health. However, like with any exercise programme, there's always a small risk of discomfort or injury, especially if you push yourself too hard. The research team will supervise you remotely to help guide you safely. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Golden Jubilee National Hospital
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is pulmonary hypertension?

It's a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries leading to your lungs is too high, making your heart work harder.

Will I have to pay for anything?

No, all parts of the study, including the exercise programme and clinic visits, are provided by the research team at no cost to you.

What if I can't do all the exercises?

The exercise programme is tailored and supervised. You'll have support from the research team, so you can discuss any difficulties you have.

How often will I need to see a doctor or nurse during the study?

You'll have clinic visits at the start, after your 12-week exercise programme, and again after one year for follow-up tests.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you are free to leave the study at any point, and doing so will not affect your usual medical care.

How to find out more

Jamie Ingram, MBChB

jamie.ingram2@nhs.scot 0044 141-951-5440 Official trial record

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