Exercise Training for Persistent or Permanent Atrial Fibrillation
Compares two exercise programs with standard care in adults with long-lasting atrial fibrillation.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Exercise Training in Patients With Persistent or Permanent Atrial Fibrillation
Key facts
- Where
- London and Ottawa, CanadaSee the 2 sites
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for adults aged 40 or older with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation whose heart rate is controlled. It tests exercise training on exercise capacity and quality of life.
- Age
- 40 years or older
- Sex
- All sexes can join.
- Disease stage
- Persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation, with a resting ventricular rate of 100 bpm or less (rate controlled).
Main reasons for not taking part
- Already doing routine exercise training (more than two times per week)
- Unstable angina
- Diagnosed severe mitral or aortic stenosis
- Diagnosed hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with significant obstruction
- Pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant during the study
Read by machine on 9 November 2026.
Where in Canada
- London Health Sciences NetworkLondon, CanadaTaking people
- University of Ottawa Heart InsititueOttawa, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation
- Trial code
- NCT03397602
- Record updated
- 11 March 2026
- Original description
The main purpose of this project is to evaluate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) compared to moderate-intensity continuous exercise training (MICE) and standard care on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation. Positive findings are vitally important for these patients, given the condition's substantial morbidity, mortality and high economic costs.Read full original descriptionShow less
Exercise Training in Patients With Persistent or Permanent Atrial Fibrillation - a Multi-centre Randomized Controlled Trial
The main purpose of this project is to evaluate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) compared to moderate-intensity continuous exercise training (MICE) and standard care on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation. Positive findings are vitally important for these patients, given the condition's substantial morbidity, mortality and high economic costs.
Inclusion: persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation; rate controlled with a resting ventricular rate of equal to or less than 100 bpm; able to perform a symptom-limited exercise test; at least 40 years of age (i.e. participants must be 40 years or older).
Exclusion: unstable angina; currently participating in routine exercise training (more than two times per week); diagnosed severe mitral or aortic stenosis; diagnosed hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with significant obstruction; pregnant, lactating or planning to become pregnant during the study period; unable to provide written, informed consent, or; unwilling or unable to return for follow up at week 12.