Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Pilot Testing of an Online Rehabilitation Intervention for People With Heart Failure (PORIAS-HF).

United Kingdom40 participantsStarted 2023-06-01

Plain-language summary

The inability of the heart to pump out blood to the rest of the body organs is called heart failure (HF). HF affects almost 920,000 people in the UK, costing the NHS up to £2.33bn/year. Physical exercise programmes aiming to improve the heart's ability to pump out blood are used to a) reduce the risk of life-threatening events (e.g., heart attack), b) reduce admissions to hospital and c) improve individual's physical independence (e.g., walking unsupported, being able toperform daily essential activities). However, these physical exercise programmes have been cut short under the current COVID-19 pandemic, with support in most UK regions being restricted to online videos and advice. With many people with HF being asked to be "shielded" or "self-isolate" for an unknown duration, it is important to develop a reliable and cost-effective physical exercise service to support this clinical group. The research team has developed a novel physical exercise programme, fully-delivered online. Before assessing if it could improve clinical outcomes (e.g., heart's ability to pump out blood) and how cost-effective it could be, a 10-month pilot study is proposed that will assess if the proposed online physical exercise programme could be performed in people with HF. Thirty participants will be allocated at random into two groups: Group A will receive up to 24 exercise sessions and up-to 3 lifestyle workshops, in addition to usual care over a 2-month period. Group B will receive a self-care exercise programme (≥3 sessions per week) for a two-month period in addition to usual care. Prior to the group random allocation, online assessments will be performed including demographics and clinical history, the ability to perform daily activities, sedentary or physical activity habits and quality of life. The assessments including interviews to assess participant's experiences will be repeated at 2 months

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 100 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age \> 18 yrs. of either gender * Confirmed diagnosis (by echocardiography) of HF reduced left ventricular ejection fraction * Sinus rhythm N-Terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NTproBNP) is \>400 ng/L at the time of referral to the diagnostic clinic if in sinus rhythm. * Ability to exercise Exclusion Criteria: * Non-ambulant status * Current pregnancy * Scheduled major cardiac surgery * The presence of an ICD or CRT-D device * Severe pulmonary hypertension defined as systolic PAP of \>60 mmHg * NYHA function class IV * Lack of internet connection * Inability/unwillingness to give informed consent

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Adherence

Timeframe: 2 months

Acceptability of procedures.

Timeframe: 2 months

Recruitment rates.

Timeframe: 2 months.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04797481

SponsorSheffield Hallam University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-10-28

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Heart Failure trials