Behavioral intervention to reduce exercise anxiety in cardiac rehabilitation patients
Official title: A Tailored Exposure Intervention for Exercise Anxiety and Avoidance in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Run by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT05398276 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program to help people over 40 in cardiac rehab feel less anxious about exercising by gradually getting them used to the feelings that come with it.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 146 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (East Brunswick, New Jersey and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 3, 2022 |
| Main results expected | February 28, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05398276 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 40 and older with elevated exercise anxiety who are enrolled in a medically approved cardiac rehabilitation program.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe cognitive impairments or chronic medical conditions that prevent safe participation may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the Behavioral Exposure for Interoceptive Tolerance (BE-FIT), a behavioral intervention aimed at reducing exercise anxiety among cardiac rehabilitation patients aged 40 and older. The study involves 146 participants who will be randomly assigned to either the BE-FIT intervention or a health education control group. The intervention focuses on exposing patients to feared bodily sensations during exercise, preventing safety behaviors, and utilizing activity monitors for feedback. The trial aims to assess the efficacy of BE-FIT in improving exercise adherence and understanding the mechanisms behind any observed changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve exercise adherence and overall health outcomes for patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that behavioral interventions targeting exercise anxiety can be effective, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. ≥ 40 years of age 2. Elevated exercise anxiety (score of ≥ 30 on ESQ-18) 3. Low active (\< 90 min self-reported moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity/day in past three months) 4. Medically approved cardiac rehabilitation 5. English proficiency Exclusion Criteria: 1. Evidence of cognitive impairment (≤ 23 on Montreal Cognitive Assessment; MoCA) 2. Severe disabling chronic medical and/or psychiatric comorbidities determined on a case-by-case basis that prevents safe or adequate participation 3. Expectation that patient will not live through study periods
Where it's running
-
RWJ Cardiac Rehab at East Brunswick
East Brunswick, New Jersey, United States Recruiting -
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Hillsborough, New Jersey, United States Recruiting -
Rutgers Emotion, Health and Behavior Laboratory Department of Psychology
New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Samantha G Farris, PhD
- Email: samantha.farris@rutgers.edu
- Phone: (845) 445-2174
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.