RecruitingInterventional

Personalised exercise rehabilitation for people with multiple long-term conditions: Main Trial

Many people live with more than one long-term health condition, such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, or breathing problems. While NHS exercise programmes exist, they usually focus on only one illness at a time, such as heart disease or lung disease. The PERFORM study is exploring whether a personalised exercise programme can better support people managing multiple conditions together. The aim is to see if tailored physical activity improves strength, well-being, and daily symptoms compared to standard NHS care. Participants will take part for around one year. Depending on your current health support, you may receive the tailored exercise programme or continue with your normal care. Everyone will attend three hospital or clinic appointments over 12 months to measure walking ability and muscle strength. The findings will help shape future NHS rehabilitation services.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Leicester

Enrolment target

906

Start

14 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2027

Multiple long-term conditions

What is this study about?

Many adults in the UK now live with two or more ongoing health issues. This is often called having 'multiple long-term conditions' or multimorbidity. Managing several illnesses at once—such as asthma, joint pain, heart trouble, or diabetes—can make daily life difficult and lead to tiredness, breathlessness, and frequent hospital visits.

We know that gentle, guided exercise can help people with a single health condition feel better and stay out of hospital. However, standard NHS exercise classes are usually designed for just one specific condition, such as lung rehabilitation or cardiac rehabilitation. Doctors and researchers do not yet know the best way to design exercise programmes for people who have several different health problems at the same time.

To address this, researchers developed the PERFORM programme alongside patients and healthcare professionals. PERFORM provides a personalised exercise plan tailored to an individual's specific needs, limitations, and goals. By comparing this programme to usual care, the study hopes to discover whether personalised exercise should become a standard treatment across the NHS.

Key takeaways

The PERFORM study tests a tailored exercise programme for people with two or more long-term health conditions.
The goal is to see if personalised exercise improves fitness and well-being better than usual NHS care.
Taking part lasts for 12 months and involves three hospital visits for simple walking and strength tests.
You may be placed in the exercise group or continue with your standard care.
Participation is voluntary, and you can stop at any point without affecting your routine care.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join this study if you are 18 or older and live with at least two long-term health conditions. At least one of your conditions must be on the study's approved list, which includes common issues like arthritis, asthma, chronic kidney disease, COPD, depression, diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure, or Parkinson's disease.

You need to be able to walk, although using a walking stick or frame is completely fine. You should also experience some breathlessness when hurrying on flat ground or walking up a slight hill.

You cannot join if you are unable to walk at all or if your doctor feels that gentle exercise testing is currently unsafe for you. Your research team will carefully check your medical records to confirm if the trial 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.

I am aged 18 or older.
I have been diagnosed with at least two long-term health conditions (such as diabetes, arthritis, or high blood pressure).
I am able to walk (using a walking stick or frame is fine).
I get breathless when hurrying or walking up a slight hill.
I am willing to attend three hospital or clinic visits over a 12-month period.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, your participation will last for about 12 months. You will attend three research appointments at your local hospital or clinic: one at the start, one after 3 months, and one after 12 months. Each visit will take about 2 to 3 hours.

During these visits, the team will check your general health and measure your physical abilities. These simple checks include a walking test and a handgrip strength test. You will not need to take any new medications.

Most participants will be placed into one of two groups by chance (like flipping a coin). One group will take part in the PERFORM tailored exercise programme, while the other group will continue with their usual NHS care. If you already qualify for standard heart or lung exercise classes, you may be invited to try the PERFORM programme instead. Some people will also have the option to join an online support group or share their thoughts in a feedback interview.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may help you become more active, build strength, and learn new ways to manage your health, although these benefits cannot be guaranteed. Your participation will also help doctors improve future care for people with multiple conditions. The main risks are minor: starting new exercises can cause temporary muscle soreness or tiredness, and the walking tests may make you feel briefly out of breath. Travelling to appointments will also take some time. Joining is entirely voluntary, and you can leave the study at any time without your regular NHS medical care being affected.

Locations (21)

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

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
City only
Leicester, England
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Reach for Health
City only
Daventry, England
York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
York, England
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Bodmin, England
Healthworks Newcastle
Unverified
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Heart Care Wallsall
Unverified
Walsall, England
University of Bedfordshire
Unverified
Luton, England
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
Unverified
Worcester, England
University of Glasgow
Unverified
Glasgow, Scotland
Health Sciences University
Unverified
Bournemouth, England
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Hartlepool, England

Common questions

Do I have to pay to take part?

No, taking part in NHS-funded research is free, although you should ask the study team if they can help cover your travel costs.

What happens if I get put in the usual care group?

You will continue to receive all your normal NHS treatments and doctor appointments. Your health will still be monitored at the research visits.

Can I use a walking stick or frame?

Yes. As long as you can walk, using walking aids is completely acceptable.

What is the exercise programme like?

The PERFORM programme is personalised to your abilities and health needs, so exercises will be set at a safe and comfortable pace for you.

What if I change my mind later?

You are free to leave the study whenever you wish. Leaving will not change the standard of care you receive from your doctor or hospital.

How to find out more

Gwen Barwell

performlctu@leicester.ac.uk +44 116 223 1202 Official trial record

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