CompletedInterventional

Supervised Pulmonary Hypertension Exercise REhabilitation (SPHERe) trial

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition where high blood pressure in the lungs makes the heart work harder, often causing breathlessness, tiredness, and dizziness. While exercise rehabilitation is known to help many people with heart and lung problems, hospital programmes can be difficult to attend. The SPHERe study is testing whether a home-based programme works well for people with pulmonary hypertension. Participants are split by chance into two groups. One group receives standard advice on staying active. The other takes part in an eight-week online programme featuring guided exercise bike workouts, gentle strengthening movements, and weekly group support sessions led by health specialists. Researchers will follow participants for one year using walking tests and questionnaires. The goal is to see if exercising safely at home helps people feel better and provides good value for the NHS.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust

Enrolment target

200

Start

16 Jun 2021

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2023

Pulmonary hypertension

What is this study about?

Pulmonary hypertension causes the blood vessels leading to the lungs to become stiff and narrow. Because blood cannot flow through easily, blood pressure builds up in the lungs, forcing the right side of the heart to work much harder. Over time, this leads to symptoms such as shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, and light-headedness, which can make everyday tasks daunting.

Supervised exercise classes are already widely used across the NHS to help people with other heart and lung conditions regain confidence and stamina. However, very little research has explored whether home-based exercise is safe and helpful for people with pulmonary hypertension. Traditional hospital-based courses can also be difficult to travel to regularly when dealing with low energy.

The SPHERe trial tests an online rehabilitation programme designed specifically for people with pulmonary hypertension. Over eight weeks, participants are guided by experienced specialists through gentle, structured exercise bike sessions and body-weight movements at home. The programme also includes group video calls to discuss motivation, managing anxiety, and living well with the condition.

By comparing this home programme against standard lifestyle advice, the researchers hope to find out if remotely supported rehabilitation helps people stay active safely. If successful, the trial could lead to new, accessible NHS rehabilitation services that improve wellbeing without the need for frequent hospital journeys.

Key takeaways

The SPHERe trial tests an eight-week online exercise and support programme for pulmonary hypertension.
Workouts are done safely at home using an exercise bike and body-weight movements, guided by specialists.
Participants are randomly assigned to either the online exercise programme or standard physical activity advice.
Your progress is tracked over one year using questionnaires and walking tests.
Taking part is completely voluntary and will not interrupt your usual NHS treatment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults who have been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (any of the five medical types) and whose condition is currently stable. It is aimed at people whose symptoms, like breathlessness or tiredness, cause mild to significant limitations in their daily routine.

Because the exercise sessions happen online, you must have access to the internet and a suitable device, such as a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. You also need to speak English well enough to follow the instructions, and live close enough to travel to a participating specialist NHS centre (mainly located in the East and West Midlands) for occasional in-person check-ups.

You cannot take part if you have a medical reason that makes any form of exercise unsafe, or if you have severe complications from your condition that prevent you from exercising. The study is also not suitable for anyone who is currently pregnant or dealing with severe mental health challenges that would make it hard to join in.

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.

You are an adult diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension.
Your condition is currently considered stable by your doctor.
You have a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access.
You can travel to a study centre (mainly in the Midlands) for a few assessment visits.
You are comfortable following instructions in English.
You are not currently pregnant.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part lasts for about one year in total. At the start, you are put by chance into one of two groups. The first group receives standard care, which involves a single one-to-one online advice session about safe physical activity. The second group takes part in an eight-week programme that includes an initial online assessment, one live online group workout per week, two independent home workouts using an exercise bike and gentle movements, and six weekly online group discussions for emotional and practical support. You do not need to change your usual medications. Everyone will attend occasional clinic visits at their nearest study centre to complete walking tests and fill in quality-of-life questionnaires at the start, at the end of the eight weeks, and over the course of one year.

Potential risks and benefits

You may not get any direct health benefit from taking part, but you will be helping researchers design better care for people with pulmonary hypertension in the future. Those in the exercise group may find their fitness improves and that everyday activities feel easier. Gentle exercise can cause temporary muscle soreness, tiredness, or breathlessness, but sessions are supervised by specialists to keep you safe. The overall risk of serious health problems during the study is considered very low. Joining is entirely your choice, and you can leave the study at any time without your regular NHS medical care being affected.

Locations (6)

University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust
City only
Coventry, England
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust
City only
Walsall, England
Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Bath, England
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Birmingham, England
Broomfield Hospital
Approximate
Chelmsford, England
Golden Jubilee National Hospital
Unverified
Clydebank, Scotland

Common questions

Will I have to pay for an exercise bike or equipment?

No. The study team provides the resources, guidance, and equipment needed for you to take part safely at home.

Will taking part change my usual medication?

No. You will continue to take your prescribed pulmonary hypertension medications exactly as directed by your doctor.

What happens if I find the exercise too difficult?

The workouts are designed for people with lung and heart conditions and are supervised by specialists. The exercises can be adapted to your pace and comfort level.

Do I have to travel to hospital every week?

No. The eight-week exercise and support sessions happen online at home. You only need to travel to a study centre a few times across the year for check-ups and walking tests.

Can I stop taking part if I change my mind?

Yes. You are free to withdraw from the trial at any point, and your decision will not alter your normal NHS treatment in any way.

How to find out more

Gordon McGregor

gordon.mcgregor@uhcw.nhs.uk +44 (0)2476234570 Official trial record

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