Assessment of Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
This study, called SOPHIE, is looking for 2,000 adults across the UK who have heart failure. The main goal is to understand how different levels of physical activity affect their heart health over time. We'll be checking things like how often people need to go into hospital and how they feel generally. Participants will tell us about their activity levels using questionnaires and by tracking their steps with a device like a smartwatch. We'll also check in by phone every six months. This will help us learn more about how physical activity can play a part in managing heart failure.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Heart failure is a condition where your heart can't pump blood around your body as well as it should. This can make everyday activities difficult and sometimes lead to hospital stays. Doctors and researchers are always looking for ways to help people with heart failure live healthier and more active lives.
This study, called SOPHIE, aims to explore the link between physical activity and health in people living with heart failure. We want to see if being more active can help improve your heart's health, reduce your chances of needing to go to hospital, and generally make you feel better. We'll be collecting information from 2,000 people across the UK to get a really good picture of this connection.
By taking part, you'll be helping us understand more about how lifestyle choices, specifically how much you move, can influence heart failure. The information we gather will hopefully lead to better advice and support for people with heart failure in the future, helping them to manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
Key takeaways
- A study looking at physical activity and heart health in people with heart failure.
- Aims to enrol 2,000 adults with various types of heart failure.
- Involves questionnaires and tracking your steps with your own device.
- Regular check-ins will be done over the phone every six months.
- Helps researchers understand how activity affects heart failure outcomes and hospital stays.
- Participation contributes to improving care for future heart failure patients.
Who may be eligible?
If you have heart failure, you might be able to join this study. We are looking for adults aged 18 or over. This includes people with different types of heart failure, whether your heart's pumping action is reduced, mildly reduced, or preserved.
To be considered, your doctor would need to confirm you have heart failure, usually based on a blood test result (NT-proBNP above 600 pg/ml). You also need to be able to do some physical activity, even if it's just a little, and be willing to track your steps using a device you already own, like a smartwatch or a pedometer.
You wouldn't be able to join if a medical condition or disability prevents you from any physical activity at all. Also, if you've been in hospital for your heart failure in the last three months, you wouldn't be able to take part right now.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with heart failure?
- Can you do some form of physical activity?
- Are you willing to track your steps with a device you own?
- Have you NOT been in hospital for heart failure in the last three months?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to join this study, you'll first be asked to read and sign a consent form, which explains everything in detail. You'll then complete some questionnaires about your physical activity habits and how your heart failure affects your daily life. You'll also be asked to track your steps for seven days using a device you already have, like a smartwatch, activity tracker, or even a smartphone app.
After this initial setup, we will check in with you by telephone every six months. During these phone calls, we will repeat the physical activity questionnaires and ask about any heart-related events, hospital stays, or changes in how you're feeling. There are no study medications involved, and you'll continue to take your usual prescribed medicines as advised by your doctor. The study will continue for a period, with these phone check-ins happening every six months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- LMU University HospitalVerified postcodeMunich, Germany· Recruiting
- Central Hospital of BolzanoVerified postcodeBolzano, Italy· Recruiting
Common questions
What is heart failure?
Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood as effectively as it should, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and tiredness.
Do I need to change my medication?
No, this study doesn't involve new medications. You'll continue to take your prescribed medicines as usual.
How long will the study last for me?
The study involves initial assessments and then phone calls every six months for an ongoing period to observe changes over time.
What do you mean by 'physical activity tracker'?
This refers to any device you own that counts your steps, like a smartwatch, a dedicated fitness tracker, or a smartphone app.
Will I get direct health advice from the study?
This study is for research purposes, so while you won't get individual health advice, your participation helps improve general understanding for future patient care.
How to find out more
Stefan Brunner, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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