What is this study trying to find out about acute coronary syndrome?

This study aims to see if changing exercise intensity to make it more enjoyable and stimulating can increase physical activity in patients recovering from acute coronary syndrome. Researchers want to understand if this approach helps patients stay more active during and after their cardiac rehabilitation. The study is sponsored by Instituto Politécnico de Leiria.

Who may be eligible for this acute coronary syndrome clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 years or older diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome within the last year who have not attended a cardiac rehabilitation program before may be eligible. Both men and women can participate. Important factors include being classified as low risk by the American Heart Association and having no implantable cardiac devices or serious heart rhythm problems. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this acute coronary syndrome clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the exercise sessions and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses and other costs may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan for any additional expenses they may incur.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID07105943

Manipulating Exercise Intensity and Affective Responses on a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Led by Instituto Politécnico de Leiria · Updated on 2026-05-04

Participants Needed

Research Sites

13 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether adjusting exercise intensity to increase pleasure and arousal can improve physical activity behavior in patients who have experienced acute coronary syndrome ACS during a cardiac rehabilitation program. The study focuses on comparing physical activity levels and emotional responses between a group with exercise intensity manipulated for pleasure and a control group following a standard exercise program. This research is important because ACS patients face risks of recurrence and reduced quality of life, and promoting sustained physical activity is crucial for recovery and health. Participants will undergo sixteen personalized hospital exercise sessions, twice a week, during phase 2 of cardiac rehabilitation, alongside a complementary physical activity program integrated into daily life. The control group will follow conventional exercise guidelines based on the European Association of Preventive Cardiology principles, while the experimental group will have exercise intensity adjusted to optimize pleasurable feelings within safe intensity limits. Both groups receive pre-exercise evaluations and health briefings, and their programs last for eight weeks. During the study, participants will be assessed before and after the exercise program and again at three months follow-up. Physical activity will be measured using questionnaires and accelerometers. Researchers will also monitor emotional responses during exercise sessions, exercise habits, motivation, enjoyment, and physical health markers like body weight and abdominal circumference. These evaluations help understand how exercise intensity and pleasure influence activity levels and long-term adherence in cardiac rehabilitation.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Manipulating Exercise Intensity and Affective Responses for Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Patients older than 18 years
Diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome within the past 12 months
Have not previously participated in a cardiac rehabilitation program
Classified as low-risk (Class B) according to the American Heart Association, including NYHA class I or II, exercise capacity greater than 6 METs, no evidence of heart failure
No signs of myocardial ischemia or angina at rest or during exercise testing at or below 6 METs
Appropriate systolic blood pressure response during exercise
Absence of sustained or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia at rest or during exercise

You will not qualify if you...

Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% at rest
Uncontrolled arrhythmias such as complex ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation or flutter with rapid ventricular response, second-degree atrioventricular block Mobitz type II, or third-degree atrioventricular block
Presence of an implantable cardiac device
Symptomatic peripheral arterial disease
Comorbidities that may interfere with safely performing the exercise program

Research Team

Filipa Januario, MMed

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