Congenital Heart Disease Physical Activity Lifestyle Study (CHD-PALS)

Jamie Jackson

Status: Completed

Conditions: Cardiovascular Disease Other; Physical Activity

Treatments: Behavioral: Physical Activity Lifestyle Intervention; Behavioral: Physical Activity Monitoring

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other; NIH

Identifiers

NCT03335475

IRB16-00717

K23HL127224 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study will adapt a physical activity lifestyle intervention to adolescent and emerging adult congenital heart disease (CHD) survivors with the primary goal of increasing physical activity levels.

The study will be split into 2 phases. In Phase 1, participants will be asked to complete questionnaires, wear an accelerometer around the waist for 7 days, and undergo an exercise stress test. The accelerometer and exercise stress test will be used to determine whether participants are eligible to be randomized for the intervention study. For adolescent participants, a parent will be asked to complete questionnaires at baseline as well. In Phase 2, participants will be randomized to one of two conditions: 1) receiving a physical activity tracker (a Fitbit) or 2) receiving a Fitbit AND engaging in videoconferencing sessions with a physical activity coach. During Phase 2, participants will also be asked to complete 3 assessments (weeks 9 and 22, and a 6-month follow-up). The week 9 assessment will consist of completing questionnaires and wearing an accelerometer for 7 days. Week 22 will be similar to week 9 with the addition of a final exercise stress test. The 6-month follow-up will mirror the week 9 assessment. For adolescent participants, the same parent will be asked to complete questionnaires at the final assessment as well.

Participants who are randomized to the videoconferencing condition will be asked to meet with a physical activity coach 8 times over the course of 20 weeks. Coaches will help participants to (1) change attitudes toward physical activity, (2) increase perception of others' approval of physical activity (e.g., family members, peers), and (3) increase participants' perceived control by troubleshooting barriers and increasing efficacy for physical activity. Coaches will use the Fitbit to facilitate self-monitoring and goal setting. Participants in the intervention arm will be asked to participate in a focus group at the conclusion of the study to share their experiences.

Enrollment: 60 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 15 to 18 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Between the ages of 15-18 (if 18, must be in high school and/or still living at home)
2. Are diagnosed with moderate or complex structural congenital heart disease
3. Live within 120 miles of Nationwide Children's Hospital

Exclusion criteria

1. Do no speak or write proficiently in English
2. Have cognitive impairments that would interfere with the completion of study procedures
3. Are diagnosed with a genetic syndrome (e.g., Downs, Marfans)
4. Have been engaged in a formal exercise program within the past 6 months
5. Underwent open-heart surgery or have had a transcatheter valve replacement in the last 3 months
6. Are otherwise prohibited by their cardiologist to engage in at least moderate levels of physical activity
7. Are unable to complete a treadmill-based exercise stress test
8. Are currently pregnant
9. Have contraindications for exercise based on an exercise stress test (e.g., exercise-induced arrhythmias or evidence of cardiac ischemia)
10. >60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per the accelerometer
11. Do not have internet access or a device for videoconferencing with a PA coach

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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60 participants in 2 patient groups

Fitbit Only

Active Comparator group

Description:

In the Fitbit Only arm, participants will receive their exercise prescription, as devised from their baseline exercise stress test results, and a Fitbit. They will undergo a 9 week (interim) and a 22 week assessment (follow-up).

Treatment:

Behavioral: Physical Activity Monitoring

Fitbit + Coaching Sessions

Experimental group

Description:

In the Fitbit + Coaching Sessions arm, participant will receive their exercise prescription, as devised from their baseline exercise stress test results, a Fitbit, and will have 8 sessions with a coach (interventionist) over the course of 20 weeks. They will undergo a 9 week (interim) and a 22 week assessment (follow-up).

Treatment:

Behavioral: Physical Activity Lifestyle Intervention

Behavioral: Physical Activity Monitoring