RecruitingInterventional

Digital health to support physical activity in lung transplant candidates

Lung transplants are a vital treatment, but many people face long waits. During this time, they often become less active, which can lead to other health issues. This study wants to find out if a digital programme can help people waiting for a lung transplant stay active and improve their health. The programme includes a special wrist-worn activity tracker, an interactive online platform, and support from a health professional. Researchers will compare those using this programme with those receiving standard care to see if it makes a difference to their physical activity, quality of life, and overall well-being. It's a UK study aiming to make a real difference for patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Northumbria University

Enrolment target

Start

09 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2027

Lung transplant

What is this study about?

When people have severe lung disease, a lung transplant can be a life-changing treatment. However, there aren't enough donor lungs for everyone who needs one, which means many people spend a long time on a waiting list. During this waiting period, both the lungs and muscles often become weaker. This can make everyday activities difficult and affect how people feel generally. It often leads to people being less active, which can cause them to become less fit and potentially have more hospital visits, and it can also make recovery after a transplant harder.

This study hopes to change that. Researchers are looking into whether a special digital health programme can help people on the lung transplant waiting list to become more active in their daily lives. The programme includes a device that tracks activity (like a smartwatch), a personalised online area, and one-on-one support from a health expert. The main goal is to see if this programme is practical to use and if it could help improve people's health before their transplant, compared to the usual care they receive.

Ultimately, the study wants to empower individuals to take a more active role in managing their health while they wait for their transplant. By potentially increasing physical activity, the aim is to help people feel better, have a better quality of life, and prepare them for a smoother recovery after their transplant.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new digital way to help people waiting for a lung transplant stay active.
It involves a special activity watch, an online platform, and support from a health professional.
The aim is to improve activity levels, quality of life, and overall well-being before transplant.
Participation involves either the digital programme or usual care, with long-term follow-up.
Minimal risks are expected, with potential benefits of increased activity.
The study is backed by Northumbria University and NHS and funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you must be 18 years or older and currently on the waiting list for a lung transplant. The type of lung disease you have doesn't matter for this study.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, you need to be able to speak and read English well to understand the study materials. You also need to have internet access at home, as the study involves online tools.

Finally, if you have another significant health condition that the research team thinks might affect your ability to participate in the study safely or properly, you might not be eligible. This is to make sure the study is right for you.

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?
Are you currently on the waiting list for a lung transplant?
Can you speak and read English fluently?
Do you have internet access at home?
Do you have any other serious health conditions that might stop you from taking part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you will be put into one of two groups by chance: either a group that receives the special digital activity programme or a group that receives your usual care. You won't get to choose which group you're in.

If you're in the digital programme group, you'll get a special wrist-worn activity monitor (like a fitness tracker) and access to a personal online dashboard to see your activity data. You'll also have six short (20-minute) support sessions with a mentor over 12 weeks. After these 12 weeks, you'll continue to wear the watch for another 12 weeks for tracking, and you'll be able to keep the watch and access the online tools once the study finishes.

If you're in the usual care group, you'll also get an activity monitor, but it will only show the time. You'll wear it for 24 weeks without access to the dashboard or mentor support. However, after the study finishes, you'll be offered the full digital programme. Everyone in the study will fill out some questionnaires online at the start, after 12 weeks, and after 24 weeks. These questions will ask about your quality of life, how you're feeling, and your general well-being. Some people might also be asked to have a chat with a researcher to share their experiences.

Potential risks and benefits

While participating, you might find the digital activity programme helps you become more active and improves how you feel, though this isn't guaranteed. If you complete the study, you'll get to keep the activity watch and continue using the digital platform. There are very few risks involved in this study. You might experience some minor muscle soreness from becoming more active, but any increases in activity will be guided by healthcare professionals and introduced gradually to suit you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Northumbria at Newcastle
City only
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Common questions

What is a 'digital health intervention'?

It's a health programme that uses technology, like a special activity watch and an online platform, to help you manage your health.

Will I have to pay for anything if I join?

No, all aspects of the study, including the activity monitor and online platform, are provided free of charge.

What if I can't do much exercise?

The programme will be tailored to your abilities and introduced slowly. The aim is to help you gently increase your activity levels.

How often will I need to talk to someone?

If you're in the digital programme group, you'll have six short coaching sessions (about 20 minutes each) over 12 weeks.

What happens if I get my transplant during the study?

You should inform the study team immediately. They will advise on the next steps for your participation.

How to find out more

Nathan Skidmore

nathan.skidmore@northumbria.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.