Cardiac Rehabilitation in Congenital Heart Disease: Effects on Brain and Cognitive Functions (CongeNIRS)
Congenital Heart Disease, Congenital Heart Defects
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Congenital Heart Disease focused on measuring Congenital Heart Disease, Congenital Heart Defects, Brain, fNIRS, Cognition, Cardiac rehabilitation, Exercise
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- being able to read, understand and sign the information and consent form;
- being aged 18 or more at the time of consent;
- having a diagnosis of congenital heart disease with moderate or severe risk;
- being referred to the EPIC center in cardiovascular rehabilitation;
- being able to perform a maximal cardiopulmonary stress test and an exercise training program in accordance with current recommendations for cardiovascular rehabilitation;
- having Internet access.
Exclusion Criteria:
- recent major cardiovascular events or interventions <3 months;
- uncontrolled mental or psychiatric disorder in the last 6 months;
- genetic syndromes affecting cognition;
- excessive alcohol consumption (> 15 drinks / week);
- current participation in other clinical trials;
- contraindication to stress testing and / or physical training;
- severe intolerance to physical exercise.
Sites / Locations
- EPIC Center of the Montreal Heart InstituteRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
No Intervention
Intervention
Control
Participants assigned to the Intervention group will undergo a cardiac rehabilitation program. The program will combine individualized aerobic and muscle strengthening exercises, comprising three sessions per week to be conducted in person at the EPIC center and at home, for a duration of three months. All sessions will be prepared by a certified kinesiologist.
Participants assigned to the control group will be encouraged to remain at the usual level of physical activity for the duration of the study. At the end of the study, they will gain free access to the same cardiac rehabilitation program provided to the intervention group.