Developing a method to improve heart rate monitoring and physical activity tracking

Development of Artefact Removal and Physical Activity Algorithm for Continuous Activity Monitoring by Heart Rate Monitors in Cardiac Patients

Observational University Hospital, Antwerp · NCT05901038

This study is testing a new way to track heart rate and physical activity using fitness devices to see if it can help different groups of people, like heart patients and athletes, better understand their exercise levels.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment138 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Antwerp Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edegem, Antwerp)
Trial IDNCT05901038 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to collect heart rate data using the Fitbit Inspire 2 and Polar H10 chest strap to optimize an artefact removal procedure and develop a physical activity algorithm. The study will involve three groups: cardiac patients, coached sporters, and sporters without a training schedule, each monitored for an average of 13 weeks. Continuous heart rate monitoring will help improve the accuracy of tracking physical activity levels and predict exercise capacity based on heart rate measurements.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a history of myocardial infarction or those participating in a sports cardiology program.

Not a fit: Patients with severe heart failure or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate monitoring of physical activity in cardiac patients, improving their health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using heart rate monitors for tracking physical activity, but this specific approach to artefact removal and algorithm development is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years,
2. Patients participating in the CR programme with a prior myocardial infarction without impairment of pump function, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), cardiac ablation or cardiac surgery, OR Sporters attending a sports cardiology consultation and following a 12-week training schedule at Sport Medical Centre Nottebohm, OR Sporters attending a sport medical check-up at S.P.O.R.T.S. who do not follow a 12-week training schedule,
3. Having a smartphone available,
4. Being capable of signing the informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with severe heart failure (NYHA III-IV),
2. Not able to speak and read Dutch or English,
3. Cognitive impaired (e.g. severe dementia).

Where this trial is running

Edegem, Antwerp

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 ExerciseFitness TrackerHeart Rate
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.