Thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Eric M Isselbacher
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15710776Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
ID04197648
The Effect of Exercise on Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Blood Pressure Control
Led by Laval University · Updated on 2025-06-29
30
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the effects of a supervised exercise program on patients with non-surgical ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA). The study aims to understand how exercise impacts blood pressure, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and aneurysm size. This prospective, randomized study compares these outcomes in an exercise group versus a control group, addressing the unknown influence of physical activity on aneurysm progression and blood pressure in this population. Participants in the exercise group will follow a 24-week supervised program involving high-intensity interval training on a cycle ergometer and strength training three times per week. Sessions last about 60 minutes, with blood pressure and heart rate monitored throughout. The control group continues usual daily activities and receives consultations with a kinesiologist at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months for lifestyle advice. Both groups undergo measurements and tests at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Participants will have various assessments including blood pressure monitoring over 24 hours, cardiopulmonary exercise tests to measure aerobic capacity (VO2max), muscle strength evaluations, body composition analysis, and CT scans to monitor aneurysm size. Physical activity will be tracked using a wearable armband. The primary outcome is aneurysm diameter at 3 months. Safety and progression are closely monitored over the study period, which lasts at least 6 months from the start of intervention.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effects of Exercise on Thoracic Aneurysms
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- At least 18 years old
- Interested in participating in a supervised exercise training program
- Have an ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm with diameter between 3.5 and 5 cm
You will not qualify if you...
- Glomerular filtration rate below 30 mL/min/1.73m²
- Aortic diameter 5.1 cm or larger
- Aortic diameter progression of 0.5 cm or more per year
- Allergy to iodine
- Aortic valve bicuspidy
- History of aortic or cardiac surgery
- Presence of aortic dissection, penetrating aortic ulcer, or intra-mural hematoma
- Marfan syndrome or other genetic/congenital diseases causing aneurysm
- History of stroke
- Presence of peripheral artery disease
- History or presence of aortitis
- Diagnosis of temporal arteritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Presence of a pacemaker
- Major cognitive limitations affecting visit adherence
- Musculoskeletal conditions limiting participation in exercise program
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Exercise Program
Duration - 24 weeks
Participants in the exercise group follow a 24-week structured supervised exercise program including high intensity interval training and strength training, with personalized adjustments by a certified kinesiologist. Blood pressure and heart rate are monitored during each session.
Approximately 72 exercise sessions (3 times per week)
Consultations for Control Group
Duration - 6 months
Participants in the control group continue daily life activities and have consultations with a kinesiologist at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months to receive advice on physical activity and healthy lifestyle.
3 consultations (in-person)
Assessments
Duration - 6 months
Participants undergo multiple assessments including anthropometric measures, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, cardiopulmonary exercise tests, strength evaluations, and energy expenditure monitoring at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. CT scans are performed before the study and at 6 months to monitor aneurysm size.
Assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval
Québec, Quebec, Canada, G1V 4G5
Actively Recruiting
2
Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval
Québec, Quebec, Canada, G1V4G5
Not Yet Recruiting
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Research Team
P
Paul Poirier, MD
A
Audrey Auclair, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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