Help us research how exercise plans can improve health for people with cystic fibrosis
We need volunteers to help us research the impacts of remotely delivered exercise plans on cardiovascular health in people with cystic fibrosis.
During this project, we want to gain insights into the potential effects of exercise on metabolic and cardiovascular health in adults with cystic fibrosis.
We know that with new breakthroughs in medication, people with cystic fibrosis are now living longer than ever. However, with this increase in life expectancy, there appears to be an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
As such, we want to establish if a remote exercise intervention can help improve physical activity levels and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. We hope that this research study — titled 'Remote Exercise to Improve Physical Activity Levels and Markers of Heart Health in Cystic Fibrosis (RHH-CF)' — will keep people with cystic fibrosis as healthy for as long as possible as they grow older.
After conducting a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement meeting with the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in June 2024, we designed this research study to answer questions people with the disease need answers to in a way that is relevant for them.
As a result, the study is completely remote in design, and uses new technology — such as smart watches and remote capillary blood sampling tools — sent through the post.
Taking part in this research study
Key information about taking part in this study.
What you’ll do
You’ll be randomly assigned to one of two groups — a control group and an exercise intervention group.
If you’re in the intervention group, you’ll be provided with a personalised exercise programme delivered and monitored using a smartwatch (Polar Ignite 2), and resistance bands to carry out at home with remote support.
If you're in the control group, you will continue with your regular daily routine. However, you will have access to the programme and equipment after the second assessment (after eight weeks).
Before and after the exercise programme/control time, we will schedule two 45-minute calls with you to take some basic measurements, complete questionnaires, and take small blood samples using the remote sampling kits.
What you’ll get for completing the study
On successful completion of the study, you’ll receive a copy of your data from the programme and a £50 Love2Shop voucher as compensation for your time.
Eligibility
You must be aged between 18 and 65 and have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
Ethical approval
This study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Bath Biomedical Research Ethics Council,. Reference number: 7241-11903.
Your data
Your data will be treated as confidential. Nobody outside the research team will be able to see your name or contact details — you'll be allocated a project code instead. We'll keep all information about you safe and secure.
After the study, we will keep some of the data to check the results. When we write the report, it will be done so in a way that you won't be identifiable.
Deadline
We are recruiting participants until 21 July 2026.
Join this research study
If you want to take part in this research study, or have any questions about it, please contact us.