Exercise Program for Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure
(PREACTIVE Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if a new exercise program, called PREACTIVE, can improve the well-being and quality of life for people with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure. The program begins with resistance training to build muscle strength, followed by aerobic exercise. This approach may benefit those who struggle with physical activity due to muscle weakness or frailty. Individuals with AF and heart failure, an ejection fraction of 50% or more, and stable enough to start exercising might be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance exercise programs for heart health.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it mentions that participants must be in a stable medical condition, which might imply that significant changes to your medication could affect eligibility.
What prior data suggests that this exercise program is safe for AF-HFpEF patients?
Research has shown that exercise programs can be safe and beneficial for people with heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Studies recommend aerobic exercise, sometimes combined with strength training, for these conditions. Participation in an exercise program for six months has been reported to reduce symptoms and improve patient well-being.
Although specific safety details for the PREACTIVE program aren't provided in these sources, similar exercise programs generally have a good safety record. Patients usually tolerate this type of exercise well, especially when adjusted to fit their abilities and needs. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to ensure this program is suitable.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the PREACTIVE program because it combines progressive resistance training with aerobic endurance exercises, offering a unique approach to managing atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Unlike standard treatments that often rely on medication to control symptoms and prevent complications, this program focuses on building muscle strength and improving cardiovascular fitness. By enhancing neuromuscular function and hemodynamic performance, PREACTIVE has the potential to improve quality of life and reduce reliance on medications. This dual-phase exercise strategy could represent a significant shift in how these conditions are managed.
What evidence suggests that the PREACTIVE exercise program is effective for improving symptoms and quality of life in AF-HFpEF?
Research has shown that exercise can greatly benefit people with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Studies indicate that exercise enhances heart fitness in heart failure patients. For those with AF, exercise programs have significantly reduced symptoms, with participants being twice as likely to remain free from AF episodes after a year. In this trial, the PREACTIVE program starts with strength training to build muscle before transitioning to aerobic exercise, making it easier for older adults to begin. This approach could improve overall health and quality of life for people with AF and HFpEF.13678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Deepika Laddu, PhD
Principal Investigator
Northwestern University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for older adults with atrial fibrillation and heart failure who have a normal or near-normal ejection fraction, signs of high left ventricular filling pressures on an echocardiogram, and a high risk score for heart failure. Participants should be medically stable and capable of starting an exercise program.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Phase I: Progressive Resistance Training
Participants engage in progressive resistance training to optimize gains in muscle mass and strength, neuromuscular function, and hemodynamic gains
Phase II: Aerobic Endurance Training
Participants focus on aerobic endurance training and an abbreviated version of progressive resistance training
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- PREACTIVE
Trial Overview
The PREACTIVE study tests whether beginning with progressive resistance training (strength exercises) before moving to aerobic activities (like walking or cycling) can improve symptoms, quality of life, muscle strength, and the ability to engage in daily activities for those with AF-HFpEF.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
During Phase I participants will engage first in progressive resistance training only (3 sessions/week; 24 sessions total) to optimize gains in muscle mass and strength, neuromuscular function, and hemodynamic gains. Phase II includes 8 weeks that focus on aerobic endurance training and also an abbreviated version of PRT (3 sessions/week; 24 sessions total).
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Northwestern University
Lead Sponsor
Citations
PREACTIVE: Preconditioning Exercise Intervention to ...
This study will specifically test a sequenced exercise approach of resistance training followed by aerobic exercise to improve symptoms, and ...
Exercise Training in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and ...
The safety and efficacy of aerobic exercise in heart failure (HF) patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been well evaluated.
Exercise Training in Heart Failure: Clinical Benefits and ...
A meta-analysis across 8 randomized controlled trials of exercise training in HFpEF showed a significant improvement in peak VO2 with a mean ...
AF Patients Could Benefit From Exercise-Based Cardiac ...
For example, evidence suggests exercise training promotes favorable atrial remodeling. The moderate-intensity physical activity that's included ...
Time to Get Moving: Exercise for Atrial Fibrillation∗
Patients randomized to the exercise intervention were twice as likely to be free from AF at 12 months with an absolute risk reduction of 20%.
Exercise Training in Heart Failure Patients With Persistent ...
An aerobic exercise training programme of moderate to high intensity, whether or not combined with strength training, is advised in patients with CHF and AF.
An Exercise and Physical Activity Program in Patients With ...
Participation in an exercise-based intervention over 6 months reduced arrhythmia recurrence and improved symptom severity among patients with AF.
Exercise Training in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure ...
The safety and efficacy of aerobic exercise in heart failure (HF) patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been well evaluated. Objectives ...
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