Cardiac rehabilitation program for young people with heart conditions

Cardiac Rehabilitation for Young People: A Single-Blind Randomised Acceptability and Feasibility Study of an Integrated Physical and Mental Health Approach

Not applicable Interventional Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust · NCT05968521

This study is testing a new exercise and mental health program for kids and teens with heart conditions to see if it helps them feel better and live healthier lives compared to standard treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages11 Years to 16 Years
SexAll
SponsorGreater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other
Locations1 site (Manchester)
Trial IDNCT05968521 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of a cardiac rehabilitation program specifically designed for children and young people aged 11-16 with various heart conditions. The program combines exercise with mental health support to address both physical and psychological challenges faced by this population. By focusing on improving health behaviors and mental well-being, the study seeks to enhance the quality of life for participants and reduce the risk of additional health issues. The intervention will be compared to standard treatment to evaluate its effectiveness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children and young people aged 11-16 who have been diagnosed with congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, or have experienced a cerebrovascular event.

Not a fit: Patients with significant safeguarding concerns, head injuries, or severe social and communication difficulties may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the physical and mental health outcomes for young people with heart conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on similar programs specifically for young people, adult cardiac rehabilitation programs have shown success, suggesting potential for positive outcomes in this demographic.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
All participants meeting the following inclusion criteria and aged between 11-16 years old will be eligible:

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Fluent in English
2. Consent to participate
3. Diagnosed with at least one of the following:

   * Congenital heart disease (all subtypes)
   * Cardiomyopathy
   * Cardiac arrhythmia
   * Heart failure
   * Post-cerebrovascular event
   * Post-heart valve repair/replacement

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Significant risk or safeguarding concerns (i.e., suicidal ideation)
2. Head injury/organic impairment
3. Significant social and/or communication difficulties

Those with a formal diagnosis or under assessment for any above exclusion criteria will be excluded.

Where this trial is running

Manchester

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Congenital Heart DiseaseCardiomyopathiesCardiac ArrythmiasHeart FailureCerebrovascular EventHeart Valve DiseasesCardiac RehabilitationMetacognitive Therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.