Exercise training for patients with atrial fibrillation
Official title: Exercise Training in Patients With Persistent or Permanent Atrial Fibrillation - a Multi-centre Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation · NCT03397602 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether high-intensity interval training or moderate exercise can help people with atrial fibrillation feel better and improve their quality of life compared to standard care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 132 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (London, Ontario and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 23, 2019 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2037 |
| Registry record updated | March 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03397602 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40 and older with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation who are rate controlled.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently engaged in routine exercise training more than twice a week or those with severe cardiac conditions 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 project evaluates the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous exercise training (MICE) and standard care on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation. The study aims to provide evidence supporting the inclusion of exercise in the management of atrial fibrillation, which is often overlooked in standard care. By comparing different exercise modalities, the research seeks to identify effective interventions that can improve patient outcomes and overall well-being. The findings could lead to new recommendations for cardiac rehabilitation in this patient population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve exercise capacity and quality of life for patients with atrial fibrillation.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions in similar patient populations, suggesting a promising approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation; 2. rate controlled with a resting ventricular rate of equal to or less than 100 bpm; 3. able to perform a symptom-limited exercise test; 4. at least 40 years of age (i.e. participants must be 40 years or older); Exclusion Criteria: 1. currently participating in routine exercise training (more than two times per week); 2. unstable angina; 3. diagnosed severe mitral or aortic stenosis; 4. diagnosed hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with significant obstruction; 5. pregnant, lactating or planning to become pregnant during the study period; 6. unable to provide written, informed consent, or 7. unwilling or unable to return for follow up at week 12.
Where it's running
-
London Health Sciences Network
London, Ontario, Canada Recruiting -
University of Ottawa Heart Insititue
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jennifer L Reed, PhD — Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation
- Study coordinator: Jennifer L Reed, PhD
- Email: jreed@ottawaheart.ca
- Phone: 613-696-7392
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals
This study tests AI-powered tools on real-world stroke patients to see if they can improve pre-hospital triage, diagnosis, and outcome prediction while data stay securely within each hospital.
-
Left-atrial Fibrosis in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation and Its Comorbidities
This study tests how comorbid conditions like sleep apnea and primary aldosteronism relate to left-atrial fibrosis and AF recurrence in patients undergoing ablation.
-
Dual Energy ablation with SmartTouch SF catheter in persistent atrial fibrillation
This study tests a pulsed field and radiofrequency ablation system to treat persistent atrial fibrillation in adults who have not responded well to prior medications.
-
Identifying AF patients who may need more than standard ablation using Volta AF-Xplorer II
This trial tests whether AI-identified dispersion areas during AF ablation can predict recurrence after a standard pulmonary vein isolation in patients with persistent AF.
-
4D intracardiac echocardiography to guide left atrial appendage occlusion procedures
A new 4D ICE catheter is being tested alongside standard imaging to see if it can safely guide left atrial appendage occlusion procedures for adults with atrial fibrillation.
-
Thoracoscopic vs Catheter Ablation as the First Rhythm Control in Atrial Fibrillation with a Large Left Atrium
This trial tests whether thoracoscopic surgical ablation is better at keeping atrial fibrillation under control than catheter ablation in people with persistent AF and a large left atrium who have not had an ablation before.
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.