CR for AF
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cardiac rehabilitation for people with atrial fibrillation receiving catheter ablation.
IRAS ID
330155
Contact name
Benjamin Buckley
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 30 days
Research summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac dysrhythmia, with an estimated global prevalence of 46.3 million. Whilst AF is not a direct cause of death, it is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality from stroke, heart failure, as well as impaired quality of life. There is preliminary but promising evidence indicating that exercise-based interventions, including cardiac rehabilitation, can improve cardiorespiratory fitness, positively contribute to heart rate regulation, reduce symptom burden, decrease depression and anxiety as well as increase the quality of life. An emerging evidence base has further identified the potential for lifestyle modifications including exercise and physical activity and outcomes following ablation. More specifically, there is promising but limited evidence demonstrating the role of cardiac rehabilitation in patients receiving catheter ablation (CA), leading to favourable outcomes including increasing physical capacity and reducing anxiety. Despite the available data, cardiac rehabilitation is not part of usual care for people with AF.
In light of these findings, investigations into delivering cardiac rehabilitation to patients with AF are needed, to determine if it is acceptable and feasible within UK infrastructure before a full RCT can be conducted and clinical guidance updated. The study will involve two groups, one of which will receive standard care, and the other will receive cardiac rehabilitation. The overall aim of this project is to assess the feasibility of delivering cardiac rehabilitation to patients with AF to inform a subsequent trial.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0061
Date of REC Opinion
2 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion