Evaluating exercise training for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The EXerCise traIning To rEcovery in HCM Trial

NA · University of California, San Francisco · NCT05818605

This study is testing if a moderate exercise program can help people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy feel better and improve their heart function compared to just their usual activities.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco (other)
Locations1 site (San Francisco, California)
Trial IDNCT05818605 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The EXCITE-HCM study is a randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trial that aims to assess the effects of moderate intensity exercise training compared to usual physical activity on symptoms and cardiac function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Approximately 70 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to either the exercise program or the control group. Over a 24-week period, participants will undergo various assessments including physical examinations, questionnaires, ECGs, biomarker analysis, echocardiograms, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, PET scans, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing to evaluate their responses to the interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and able to engage in a 24-week exercise program.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of exercise-induced syncope or ventricular arrhythmias may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management of symptoms and cardiac function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using exercise interventions for cardiac conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients 18 to 80 years of age with diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy1 defined by left ventricular hypertrophy with end-diastolic wall thickness 15 mm or greater on 2D echocardiography in the absence of other primary causes of left ventricular hypertrophy or wall thickness between 13 and 15 mm in the presence of other features suggestive of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, such as systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve leaflets, family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or positive genetic test result.
2. Left ventricular outflow tract gradient \<30 mmHg at rest and with provocation.
3. Left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50% by biplane Simpson's method.
4. Access to exercise equipment at home or at a fitness center.
5. Ability to complete study related testing including online surveys and smart phone use
6. Ability to perform 24 weeks of exercise training

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of exercise-induced syncope or ventricular arrhythmias
2. LVOT obstruction being evaluated for septal reduction therapy; less than 3 months after
3. History of septal reduction therapy - surgery or ablation
4. History of ICD placement in the previous 3 months
5. History of hypotensive response with exercise testing (\>20 mm Hg decrease of systolic blood pressure from baseline blood pressure or an initial increase in systolic blood pressure followed by a decrease of systolic blood pressure \>20 mm Hg)
6. Clinical decompensation in the previous 3 months, defined as New York Heart Association class IV congestive heart failure symptoms or Canadian Cardiovascular Society class IV angina symptoms
7. Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50% by echocardiography
8. Life expectancy less than 12 months
9. Pregnant or planned pregnancy
10. Inability to exercise owing to any medical or other limitations
11. Unwillingness to refrain from competitive sports, burst activity, or heavy isometric exercise for the duration of the study, if assigned to the non-exercise group.

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.