High-intensity interval training in patients with atrial fibrillation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Impact of high-intensity interval training in patients with atrial fibrillation: Understanding of the underlying cardiovascular mechanisms
IRAS ID
286195
Contact name
Gregory Lip
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 7 months, 29 days
Research summary
A key characteristic of the heart is its regular rhythm. When the heart is exposed to irregular electric impulses, such as with atrial fibrillation (AF), detrimental effects can occur affecting the ability of the heart to pump blood. AF affects more than 33 million individuals worldwide, and places individuals at increased risk for stroke, heart failure and death. Of note, being fit seems to protect the long-term severity of AF, and individuals with AF who improved their aerobic fitness seem to decrease their severity of atrial fibrillation. Although exercise training is known to improve aerobic fitness, there are limited data investigating the benefits of an exercise training program on the reduction of AF burden.
Once AF is present, regular exercise in these patients reduces the risk for developing cardiovascular events. Moreover, exercise training at high-intensity seems to bring greater adaptations in cardiac patients. This effect may be related to improvements in cardiovascular function and structure. No previous study has explored this possibility in patients with AF. Therefore, I will assess cardiac function and blood vessel quality before and after exercise training (at high- and moderate-intensities) in patients with AF. Better insight into how intensity of exercise training could affect the heart and the blood vessels can lead to better exercise recommendations in this population.
This project will contribute to improved clinical care for patients with AF, specifically related to the prescription of the optimal dose and type of exercise. This may result in fewer complications, improved quality of life, and lower socio-economic/healthcare costs.REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
20/WA/0279
Date of REC Opinion
12 Nov 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion