RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of Exercise on Thoracic Aneurysms

This study aims to understand how exercise affects people living with a thoracic aortic aneurysm. This is a condition where a major blood vessel in the chest develops a weakened, bulging area. Researchers are looking into whether a controlled exercise program can help lower blood pressure, improve fitness, and keep the aneurysm from growing larger. People with aneurysms often worry about daily activities, so finding a safe exercise routine could greatly improve their quality of life. The study measures blood pressure and fitness levels over six months to see the effects of exercise compared to a control group, giving valuable insights into managing this condition safely.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Laval University

Enrolment target

Start

10 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2027

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

What is this study about?

Imagine your body's main blood pipe, called the aorta, which carries blood from your heart. Sometimes, a part of this pipe in your chest can develop a weak spot and bulge outwards, like a balloon. This is called a thoracic aortic aneurysm. While it might sound serious, many people live with them, but doctors need to monitor them closely.

This study is looking into whether exercising regularly and safely can help people with a thoracic aneurysm. We already know that high blood pressure can make aneurysms grow faster, and exercise is great for lowering blood pressure. So, researchers want to see if an exercise program can help keep the aneurysm stable, improve your fitness, and lower your blood pressure, all while being safe.

The main goal is to compare a group of people who exercise under guidance with a group who don't, over six months. They'll measure things like blood pressure, fitness levels, and the size of the aneurysm to see if exercise makes a positive difference. This research could help doctors give better advice to people with aneurysms about staying active and healthy.

Key takeaways

Looks at how exercise affects thoracic aneurysms.
Aims to check if exercise can keep aneurysms stable and lower blood pressure.
Compares an exercise group with a non-exercising control group.
Participation lasts for 6 months with regular check-ups.
May help improve fitness and provide safer exercise guidelines for aneurysm patients.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and interested in taking part in an exercise program that will be supervised. Your aneurysm, the bulge in your aorta, needs to be between 3.5cm and 5cm in size. This ensures that the study is safe for you to participate in.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your aneurysm is already quite large (5.1cm or more), or if it has been growing very quickly (0.5cm or more in a year), it might be too risky. Also, if you've had certain heart or artery surgeries, or have specific other medical conditions like Marfan syndrome, certain kidney problems, or problems that make exercise difficult, you wouldn't be able to participate. This is all to ensure your safety throughout the study.

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?
Is your aortic aneurysm between 3.5cm and 5cm?
Are you interested in a supervised exercise program?
Have you NOT had previous aortic or heart surgery?
Do you NOT have Marfan syndrome or similar genetic conditions?
Are there no other major health issues preventing exercise?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be assigned to one of two groups by chance: an exercise group or a control group. Both groups will have check-ups at the beginning, after 3 months, and again after 6 months. During these visits, doctors will take measurements like your height, weight, waist size, and body composition. You'll also wear a device for 24 hours to track your blood pressure at the start of the study, and again at 3 and 6 months.

If you're in the exercise group, you'll also wear this blood pressure monitor during one of your first training sessions. The exercise program involves moderate to high-intensity workouts. The study doesn't mention taking any new medications. The total duration of your active participation, including check-ups, will be 6 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might help you improve your fitness, lower your blood pressure, and gain a better understanding of how exercise affects your aneurysm. However, as with any exercise program, there's a small risk of discomfort or injury, and the study will be closely monitored by medical professionals to minimise these risks. There is also a risk that the exercise might not benefit your aneurysm growth, although researchers will be carefully watching this. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval
Verified postcode
Québec, Canada· Recruiting
Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval
Verified postcode
Québec, Canada· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is a thoracic aortic aneurysm?

It's a weakened, bulging area in the body's main blood vessel (the aorta) located in your chest, above your tummy.

Why is exercise being studied?

Exercise can lower blood pressure, which is good for heart health, and researchers want to see if it can also help keep the aneurysm stable.

Will I have to exercise if I join?

You might be in an exercise group with supervised training, or a control group that doesn't exercise for the study, decided by chance.

How long does the study last?

Your involvement in the study, including all check-ups, will last for 6 months.

What will they measure during the study?

They'll measure things like your blood pressure, fitness levels, body size, and the size of your aneurysm to see any changes.

How to find out more

Paul Poirier, MD

paul.poirier@criucpq.ulaval.ca (418) 656-4767 Official trial record

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