Repeatability of the combined exercise and heart ultrasound test (CPETecho)
Analysing the Test-Retest Reliability of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing With Echocardiography
We will test whether repeating the combined exercise and heart ultrasound test gives consistent results in people with breathlessness or heart conditions who can complete a maximal exercise test.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Genk) |
| Trial ID | NCT07281534 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing with echocardiography (CPETecho) combines maximal exercise testing with non-invasive heart ultrasound to measure cardiac and pulmonary responses. Participants will perform a maximal CPETecho session and then repeat the test about one week later to determine test-retest reliability. This protocol replaces invasive hemodynamic catheter monitoring with echocardiography during exercise to capture cardiac function. Data collected at Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg (Genk) will quantify measurement variability and help distinguish true physiological change from measurement noise.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with dyspnea or cardiac conditions who can safely perform a maximal exercise test, can delay urgent therapy for about a week, and can give informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with unstable symptoms who cannot postpone treatment, those unable to complete maximal exercise testing, or those unable to attend in-person visits are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If reliable, CPETecho could provide a non-invasive, repeatable way to monitor cardiac and pulmonary function during exercise and reduce the need for invasive catheter testing.
How similar studies have performed: Invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing with catheter monitoring is well-established, but non-invasive CPETecho is an evolving approach with limited published data on test-retest reliability.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Capable of performing a maximal exercise test. * Provide signed and dated informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: \- Unstable symptoms, whereby therapy cannot be delayed for a week.
Where this trial is running
Genk
- Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg — Genk, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Philippe Bertrand, MD, PhD
- Email: philippe.bertrand@zol.be
- Phone: 0032471626094
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.