Cardiac Rehab Post-atrial Fib Ablation

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The aim of this study is to examine the effect of a 12-week exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation intervention on the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients at six- and twelve-months post-ablation procedure.

Official Title
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Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise on the Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation in Post-ablation Patients: a Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Conditions
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Atrial Fibrillation

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: 12-week supervised exercise based cardiac rehabilitation program


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: ● Adult patients 18 years and older. Willing to participate in the study after randomization to either an intervention group (cardiac rehabilitation exercise) or a control group (usual care). Able to attend two pre and post study clinic visits at a local designated Pulse Heart Institute cardiac rehab program. If randomized to the cardiac rehab intervention group can attend exercise rehab visits for 3 x per week for 12 weeks (36 visits) at a designated Pulse cardiac rehab program. Has an active email address and phone number. Documented diagnosis of Paroxysmal and persistent Atrial Fibrillation. Undergone ablation treatment and is at a minimum of 2 weeks post ablation status. Compliant with medication therapy including medications for heart rate control and anticoagulant(s). Exclusion Criteria: ● Does not speak English. Does not have clearance to participate in the study by their attending cardiologist. Documented cardiovascular disease or pulmonary/respiratory disease that would qualify the patient for Cardiac, Pulmonary or Vascular Rehabilitation at a Pulse Heart Institute rehabilitation program. Dementia or cognitive impairment. Unable to participate in rehabilitation exercise due to physical limitations. Greater than one prior ablation procedure Long standing, chronic Atrial Fibrillation Patients who have undergone posterior wall isolation ablation.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: cardiac rehabilitation intervention group<br>Participants assigned to the intervention group will participate in pre-post assessments and a 12-week supervised exercise based cardiac rehabilitation program at a designated local Pulse Heart Institute Cardiac Rehabilitation program. | Other: 12-week supervised exercise based cardiac rehabilitation program<br>* 12-week exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation intervention on the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients at six- and twelve-months post-ablation procedure.<br>|
| No Intervention: control group<br>Participants assigned to the control group will participate in pre-post assessments and will maintain usual care and current activity levels. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The aim of this study is to examine the effect of a 12-week exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation intervention on the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in 40 patients at six- and twelve-months post-ablation procedure. | Examine the effect of a 12-week exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation intervention on the recurrence of atrial fibrillation at 6- and 12-months post-ablation treatment. | 12 months after the first intake appointment |