A study looking at whether physical activity improves heart health in people with CF

Full title

A study investigating the effects of a remotely delivered physical activity intervention on activity levels and markers of cardiovascular and metabolic health in people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

Study details

The aim of the study is to look at whether a personalised activity plan (walking and strength) can impact risk factors for heart health in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). It will also look at the best ways to deliver activity-based interventions, and whether a home blood testing kit works well for people with CF to avoid needing a traditional needle blood sample in future research trials. 

Key outcomes we will be looking at include activity levels, blood pressure, lipid levels (measurement of fats in the blood), cholesterol, insulin and a measure of blood sugar control. 

The research will be conducted entirely remotely (at home), meaning there is no need to travel to a research or CF centre. 

Participants will be randomly put into two groups. Both groups receive a smartwatch. One group will have access to an 8-week personalised activity plan using the smartwatch to deliver and record the sessions. The plan includes 3 walks per week which increase in intensity over the 8 weeks, plus strengthening exercises with resistance bands.

A researcher will meet with you online to go through assessments at the start and end of the 8-week period. These meetings will take approximately 45 minutes each. 

A second group, the ‘control group’ will not undertake the activity plan during the 8 weeks. This allows outcomes between the two groups to be compared. 

At the end of the trial, participants in the control group will be offered the 8-week activity programme to complete if they wish to. We will finish with an online questionnaire to gain feedback on the activity intervention.

Participants will receive feedback on their metabolic and heart health results and activity levels after the study has finished.

---