About Pulmonary Hypertension (PH)

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a debilitating long-term condition characterised by severe exercise intolerance

Pulmonary arterial pressure is abnormally raised due to dysfunctional endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle, leading to maladaptive pulmonary vascular remodelling and increased right ventricular afterload

Pulmonary and cardiovascular haemodynamics are progressively compromised, often during minimal physical exertion

Consequently, exertional dyspnoea, fatigue and syncope are the most common symptoms, impacting profoundly on quality of life (QoL), morbidity and mortality

About the SPHERe Trial

The trial intervention is online supervised rehabilitation for patients with pulmonary hypertension(PH).

We are putting together small online groups of 6-8 (facilitator led) that meet weekly to discuss a different self-management topic before taking part in some live exercise.

Participants are also given an individual programme to follow during the week with one to one online catch-ups each week.

Exercise bikes can be loaned to the participant for the duration of the trial

The control arm is a single session of physical activity advice, (see attached trial protocol link right)

Our primary outcome is the incremental shuttle walk test and for this reason participants do have to attend one of our sites for baseline, 4 month and 12 month follow-up assessments.

The rest is delivered remotely.

Potential participants must be fluent in English, have internet and a formal diagnosis of PH.

Recruitment

If you think you have any patients who may be suitable please email me at stuart.ennis@uhcw.nhs.uk or direct the patients to our trial website: www.warwick.ac.uk/SPHERe