RCT of Exercise Intervention in newly diagnosed PAH
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Randomised Controlled Trial of Exercise Intervention as an Adjunct to Medical Therapy in Newly Diagnosed Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
IRAS ID
341491
Contact name
Alistair Colin Church
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 11 days
Research summary
Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a rare, progressive condition caused by high blood pressure in the blood vessels within the lungs. PH reduces life expectancy and results in symptoms including breathlessness, leg swelling, and reduces your ability to be active. Previous research in PH has shown that exercise can improve patients’ physical stamina and quality of life. It is also known that, once started, people can find it difficult to continue regular exercise.
Exercise in the early stages of a patient's diagnosis with pulmonary hypertension has not yet been studied, however, it could be that using exercise in addition to medication for pulmonary hypertension from the start of a patient's treatment plan could put them in a better physical position with a lower symptom burden than using medication alone. Achieving these improvements at an early stage could see patients stay healthier for longer.
Currently, in Scotland, there is no supervised exercise or rehabilitation programme for patients with PH and it would be beneficial for patients to have access to one. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, monitoring and treating patients remotely from their own homes has become increasingly popular. A recent study in Ireland showed that it is possible to run a successful home-based exercise programme with supervision over video- or phone call.
This study will aim to determine whether a 12-week home-based exercise programme introduced in the early stages of a patient’s PH diagnosis can improve their symptoms, mental health and ability to exercise compared to patients who don’t do the programme. Participants will be monitored at home using smartwatches and further data will be collected at outpatient clinic. The study will also review how well participants stick to an exercise routine after the programme has finished if they are given additional prompts and resources to aid this.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
25/WS/0177
Date of REC Opinion
5 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion