BI-PAF V0.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Remote physical activity biofeedback intervention for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using mobile health technology
IRAS ID
360293
Contact name
Benjamin Buckley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
There is growing evidence that being more physically active (PA) and exercising can help with managing paroxysmal (on and off) atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently, it’s difficult to test this over long periods of time as current monitoring equipment is invasive and inconvenient to wear. Over the last 10 years, smartwatches have become increasingly popular as a way to track and encourage people to be more physically active. More recently, they have started being able to detect undiagnosed AF. This technology isn’t however currently being used to monitor and manage people who have already been diagnosed.
This project aims to bridge the gap between technology and healthcare by developing a biofeedback intervention that enables daily monitoring of AF episodes and PA levels. Utilising existing smartwatch technology, continuous heart rate (HR) and PA data will be collected and sent to a custom website. Data will be downloaded and analysed by the study team. Personalised biofeedback in the form of behavioural ‘nudges’ will then be sent by the study team to participants via text message, empowering them to improve lifestyle behaviours and reduce their heart rate variability (HRV - i.e their risk of AF). Through a user-centric approach, iterative development, and comprehensive testing, we aim to enhance patient self-management, improve clinical outcomes, and contribute to the field of digital health.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0033
Date of REC Opinion
2 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion