Feasibility of Examining Acute Responses to Exercise in Symptomatic Females and Males With Atrial Fibrillation: a Pilot Randomized Crossover Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying people with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF), including both paroxysmal and persistent types, to see how short-term exercise affects their AF symptoms. This pilot randomized crossover study compares symptom changes during a week of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with a week of no moderate to vigorous exercise. The goal is to understand how exercise acutely influences AF symptoms, especially noting differences between females and males. Participants will take part in three different 7-day periods: one with moderate-intensity continuous exercise, one with high-intensity interval training, and one without moderate to vigorous exercise. During each exercise week, participants will complete three exercise sessions. The study uses a wireless four-finger AliveCor KardiaMobile ECG device to monitor AF status daily. Participants also report symptoms using a 7-day questionnaire during each period. Throughout the study, researchers will check how feasible it is to conduct this crossover trial by tracking recruitment, consent, participant adherence, retention, eligibility adjustments, and any adverse events over about 1.5 years. Participants will have their AF symptoms and heart activity monitored closely during each week. The total observation includes three weeks for the exercise and control conditions, with ongoing safety and study progress evaluations.

Acute Responses to Exercise in Females and Males With Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation