Examining exercise effects on heart activity in ARVC patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the arrhythmogenic activity in patients with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) during various physical exercises. Participants will perform activities such as treadmill walking, cycling, and strength training while being closely monitored for cardiovascular responses. The aim is to quantify the arrhythmogenic burden and cardiac load experienced by these patients, which could inform safer exercise guidelines. By understanding how different exercises affect heart activity, the study seeks to develop effective interventions that allow ARVC patients to maintain an active lifestyle.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Definitive ARVC diagnosis according to the modified 2010 ARVC Task Force Criteria
* Pathogenic / likely pathogenic variant in one of the following desmosomal genes: plakophilin-2 (PKP-2), desmoglein-2 (DSG-2) or desmoplakin (DSP) or gene-elusive definite ARVC (i.e., genetic test performed but no pathogenic / likely pathogenic variant found)
* Control group: diagnosed ischemic heart disease with ejection fraction above 35%
* Agreement with responsible primary cardiologist that study participation is not considered beyond acceptable levels of physical activity for this particular patient
* No history of exercise-induced syncope in the 6 months prior to study participation
* No history of sudden cardiac arrest in the 6 months prior to study participation
* In patients who suffered from sudden cardiac arrest/arrhythmic syncope, only those having an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and being under beta-blockers/antiarrhythmic drugs are eligible for study inclusion
* Informed Consent as documented by signature (Appendix Informed Consent Form)
* Age: \> 14 years
* Body-Mass-Index (BMI): 18.5 - 39.9 kg･m-2
* Willing to adhere to the following study rules:

  * No intense exercise 48h prior to testing
  * No exercise 24h prior to testing
  * Sleep at least 7h the two nights before testing On test day
  * No caffeinated food or drink before testing on test day
  * No alcohol before testing on test day
  * Fully compliant with normal medication regimen including beta-blockers and antiarrhythmic medication

Exclusion Criteria:

* No genetic test history for ARVC variants
* Heart failure with severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF \<35%)
* For women: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or intention to become pregnant during the study.
* Known or suspected non-compliance, drug, or alcohol abuse
* Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g., due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, etc. of the participant
* Previous enrolment into the current study

Where it's running

• Exercise Physiology Lab, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich
  Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Christina M Spengler, PhD, MD — ETH Zurich, Exercise Physiology Lab, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport
• Study coordinator: Fernando G Beltrami, PhD
• Email: fernando.beltrami@hest.ethz.ch
• Phone: +41446330472

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• FAPI PET/CT imaging in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

  This study will test whether a PET/CT scan using a 68Ga-DOTA-SA-FAPI tracer can detect active scarring in adults with ARVC and provide information beyond standard heart imaging.

  Recruiting Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · Istanbul, Fatih · NCT07563660

• Observing the prevalence of antibodies in patients with a specific heart condition

  This study looks at how common certain antibodies are in people with a heart condition called ARVC who have a specific gene mutation, while they receive regular care and share health information over five years.

  Recruiting at 21 sites Tenaya Therapeutics · San Francisco, California and 20 other locations · NCT06311708

• Gene therapy for adults with PKP2 mutation-associated heart disease

  This study is testing a new gene therapy called TN-401 to see if it can help adults with heart disease caused by a specific genetic mutation feel better and stay safe.

  Recruiting at 7 sites Phase 1 Tenaya Therapeutics · San Francisco, California and 6 other locations · NCT06228924

• Targeted therapy for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy using tideglusib

  This study is testing a new medication called tideglusib to see if it can help people with a specific genetic type of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy feel better and reduce their risk of serious heart problems.

  Recruiting at 10 sites Phase 2 Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation · Calgary, Alberta and 16 other locations · NCT06174220

• Registry for patients with cardiomyopathies

  This study is collecting health information and samples from people with different types of heart muscle diseases to better understand their causes and effects over time.

  Recruiting University Hospital Heidelberg · Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg · NCT04265040

• Registry and biobank for arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy

  This study is trying to gather information and samples from people with arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy and their families to better understand the genetic causes of the condition and improve early diagnosis for those at risk.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Mayo Clinic · Rochester, Minnesota and 1 other locations · NCT03049254

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.