Exercise for Atrial Fibrillation
(ACUTE-AF Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen ByJennifer Reed, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The main purpose of this pilot project is to measure the feasibility of conducting a randomized crossover study examining short-term changes in atrial fibrillation (AF) symptoms in symptomatic females and males with paroxysmal or persistent AF when they engage in a standard week of exercise (i.e. moderate-intensity continuous training \[MICT\] or high-intensity interval training \[HIIT\]) compared to a control week (i.e. no moderate to vigorous exercise over 7 days).

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for men and women over 40 with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) who can exercise safely. Participants must have had AF symptoms recently, women should be post-menopausal, and all must understand English or French. Excluded are those already exercising regularly, with unstable heart conditions or severe diabetes, unable to use a smartphone or the internet, or with certain cardiac devices.

Inclusion Criteria

I have felt symptoms in the last 4 weeks.

I have irregular heartbeats that come and go or persist.

I am 40 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with severe heart valve narrowing or thickened heart muscle causing obstruction.

I do not have uncontrolled diabetes or unstable chest pain.

Participant Groups

The study tests how different types of exercise affect short-term changes in AF symptoms. It compares moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and no vigorous exercise over one week in a randomized crossover design where participants will try each condition.

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Moderate Intensity Continuous Training (MICT)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will do 3 sessions of moderate-intensity continous exercise training over 7 days

Group II: High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will do 3 sessions of high-intensity interval training over 7 days

Group III: RestActive Control1 Intervention

Participants will abstain from doing moderate- to high-intensity interval training over 7 days

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is already approved in European Union, United States for the following indications:

🇪🇺 Approved in European Union as High-Intensity Interval Training for: