Actively Recruiting
MOtivating Physical Activity With BehaVioral Economics in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (MOVE-HF)
Led by University of Pennsylvania · Updated on 2025-09-22
270
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
12 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor
N
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a condition marked by exercise intolerance due to breathlessness and fatigue, which is becoming more common. Researchers are evaluating whether combining gamification with social incentives like social support or competition can help increase physical activity in people with HFpEF. This three-arm, randomized, controlled trial aims to improve exercise adherence since no drug treatment has yet consistently improved function in HFpEF, and exercise access is often limited. Participants will first complete a 2-week run-in period to measure baseline physical activity using a wearable device daily. Then, they enter a 6-month intervention where one of three approaches is tested: a control group receiving daily step count notifications; a gamification plus social support group that receives motivational texts, plays a points-based game, and involves a support partner; and a gamification plus competition group that plays the same game but competes with others using a leaderboard. After this, there is a 3-month follow-up period where participants continue wearing the device. Throughout the study, participants will wear the device daily during intervention and follow-up to track steps. Researchers will assess changes in average daily step counts over 9 months as the main outcome. They will also measure quality of life using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and six-minute walk distance at 6 and 9 months. The study includes motivational messaging and engagement strategies while monitoring safety and adherence over the total 9-month period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
MOVE-HF MOtivating Physical Activity With BehaVioral Economics in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18 years or older
- Diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
- Ejection fraction of 50% or higher
- Meet at least one of the following: history of hospitalization for HFpEF, BNP level above 75 pg/mL (or above 225 pg/mL if atrial fibrillation), H2FPEF score of 5 or more, or elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
- Own a smartphone or tablet with internet access
- Able to read English
- Able to provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently participating in another interventional physical activity study
- Medical conditions preventing walking without assistance (other than a cane)
- Unable to safely participate in a 9-month physical activity program
- Upcoming cardiovascular procedures like stent placement or surgery
- Baseline physical activity above 7500 steps per day
- Baseline physical activity below 1000 steps per day
- Dementia diagnosis
- End-stage renal disease on dialysis
- Cirrhosis
- Cardiac surgery or transcatheter valve replacement within last year
- Severe aortic stenosis or severe mitral stenosis
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants wear a device to establish baseline physical activity levels before the intervention.
Daily device use
Duration - 6 months
Participants engage in a 6-month behavioral intervention using a wearable device and receive daily feedback. Depending on the group, they may participate in gamification with social support, gamification with competition, or receive daily step count notifications.
Daily device use with daily and weekly text messages over 6 months
Duration - 3 months
Participants continue to wear the device and are monitored for 3 months after the intervention to assess sustained physical activity.
Daily device use
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Samantha Coratti
C
Chinyere Anucha
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Number of Arms
3
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