ELIXIR
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Examining exercise limitation(s) and training response(s) in people with multiple long term conditions (MLTCs)
IRAS ID
356337
Contact name
Molly Baldwin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leicester Royal Infirmary
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The number of individuals with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs; ≥2 long-term conditions) is increasing due to the ageing population and improvements in life expectancy in those with chronic conditions. Compared to those with single conditions, individuals with MLTCs experience a greater symptom burden and reduced exercise tolerance, the strongest independent predictor of morbidity and mortality in health and disease, which also correlates with health-related quality of life. This reduction in exercise tolerance likely contributes to the poorer clinical outcomes seen in this cohort.
Exercise strategies that effectively overcome exercise limitations to increase exercise tolerance are likely to reduce morbidity, mortality, and hospitalisations, and increase health-related quality of life in individuals with MLTCs. However, to maximise the efficacy of exercise therapy, interventions specific to the individual and their exercise limitation(s) must be established. Currently, the mechanisms underlying exercise tolerance in individuals with MLTCs are unknown, a key step that limits the development of personalised exercise therapy.
Therefore, in this research, we will explore the mechanisms underpinning exercise tolerance in those with MLTCs, at least one of which has evidence of benefit from an exercise-based intervention, and investigate the effect of an exercise intervention on exercise capacity and exercise limitations.
It is a single-site controlled observational study funded by the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) PhD studentship. The study will have 2-6 visits, (two of which will be optional), and will take place at the respiratory unit of the Glenfield Hospital, Leicester.
To measure exercise capacity and understand exercise limitations, we will ask individuals to perform an exercise test. We will also assess their body composition and how well their muscles can use oxygen.REC name
London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0076
Date of REC Opinion
12 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion