Marfan Syndrome Moderate Exercise Pilot

Evaluating the Effects of Moderate Physical Activity on Health and Well-being in Adolescents and Young Adults With Marfan Syndrome

Marfan syndrome (MFS) affects multiple organ systems including the heart, bones, ligaments, and eyes, and is associated with significant risk of aortic dissection. Given limited evidence from in-vitro studies, and theoretical concerns, the majority of patients with MFS are restricted from certain physical activities. The lack of exercise and deconditioning have detrimental effects including increasing weakness, joint pain, decreased endurance, and depressive symptoms. Given the significant paucity of data currently existing on the effects of exercise in humans with MFS, and the recent, optimistic findings in rodent models, this pilot trial was established to assess the effects of moderated dynamic exercise in adolescents and young adults with MFS.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) affects multiple organ systems including the heart, bones, ligaments, and eyes, and is associated with significant risk of aortic dissection. Given anecdotal reports of aortic dissection, limited evidence from in-vitro studies, and theoretical concerns, the majority of patients with MFS are restricted from certain physical activities, most commonly isometric exercise and contact sports. Published guidelines also suggest restriction from highly dynamic competitive sports. While clinicians may mean to restrict patients only from competitive sports, often children and families interpret this caution as applying to almost all exercise, resulting in a large number of patients with Marfan syndrome being sedentary. This lack of exercise and deconditioning likely have detrimental effects in increasing weakness and joint pain and decreasing endurance. Depressive symptoms are also not uncommon in Marfan syndrome, and may be triggered or exacerbated by guidance to acutely cease participation in sports at the time of diagnosis. To date, as far as the investigators are aware, there are no published controlled studies on the effects of dynamic exercise on human subjects. In 2017, Mas-Stachurska et al published a study suggesting that a moderate level of dynamic exercise mitigated progressive degradation of the cardiac structures typically seen in Marfan Syndrome in a rodent sample. This study suggests the possibility that the fears surrounding moderate exercise in humans may be unwarranted. In addition, this study suggests that moderate exercise may actually protect the aorta and myocardium, in addition to the numerous other physical and emotional benefits that have been shown to result from consistent exercise. The overall goal is to evaluate the effects of a moderate dynamic exercise program on measures of cardiovascular, muscular, and mental health in adolescents and young adults with Marfan syndrome. The investigators plan to perform a randomized pilot study to calculate effect estimates to perform a larger multi-center study. The objective is to 1) randomize 20 patients with Marfan syndrome age 12-21 years to current status (controls) versus a moderate dynamic exercise intervention, then 2) allow the control group patients to undergo the exercise intervention. The investigators will then compare outcomes between both the intervention and control groups, and between the baseline and post-intervention states. Specific outcome measures will include cardiovascular assessment: maximal oxygen uptake (max VO2), segmental and central aortic stiffness, ventricular mass and volume, and endothelial function, muscular/physical assessment: manual muscle testing (MMT), functional balance, and pain assessment, and quality of life/mental health assessment: health-related quality of life, depression and anxiety screening scales. The hypothesis is that the intervention of a moderate exercise program introduced by a licensed physical therapist will result in improvement in cardiovascular status, muscular health, and mental health without detrimental effects on the aortic wall.

The first part of trial was a Randomized Controlled Step-Wedge Pilot Trial as below 2 groups (Exercise Intervention Group and Current Care Group) The first phase of the study will maintain the Current Care Group as the control. At the end of the first phase, the Current Care Group will crossover and receive the Exercise Intervention as the second phase of the trial. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing delays in the study, and decreased enrollment and decreased access to MRI, the study was altered to a single group. comparing the same outcomes at baseline and after the intervention. This eliminates the blinding of the PI, but those interpreting the tests are still blinded.

The primary investigator and the co-PI (physical therapist) will know whether testing is at baseline or follow-up, but will not know the cardiovascular outcome measures. The cardiovascular outcomes assessor will be fully blinded.

Group of up to 20 patients will receive all of the preliminary outcome measure testing (cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and psychological screening) in addition to exercise intervention education, demonstration, and follow up to ensure compliance and safety.

Patients will be educated on methods of self-evaluating exertion and cardiovascular effort by assessing respiratory rate and perceived exertion. Next, patients will be given options for cardiovascular activities and complete at a moderate level of activity for a minimum of 150 minutes per week. Patients will perform a combination of exercises under the supervision of a physical therapist until a mod intensity level is reached and sustained. Patients will be taught to use the activity tracker to record their heart rate, activity, and PES. Patients will have a phone call every week to assess status, answer questions, and provide guidance on progressing intensity or duration of exercise. At the end of 8 weeks all patients will return for re-assessment.

Maximum VO2 in ml/kg/minute will be collected via Exercise Stress Test. Range 30-85, higher is better.

mmHg, range 70-200, both low and high are abnormal, goal is age, sex and height-based, goal 10-50 percentile

mmHg, range 20-150, both low and high are abnormal, goal is age, sex and height-based, goal 10-50 percentile

mmHg, systolic blood pressure minus diastolic blood pressure, range 30-70 mmHg, goal is normal range for age and sex

28-item assessment that yields a Total Score, 2 scale scores, and 4 subscale scores. For each item, respondent is presented with 3 choices that correspond to 3 levels of symptomatology: 0 (absence of symptoms), 1 (mild or probable symptom), or 2 (definite symptom). Lower is better

set of 3 self-report scales. Each scale contains 14 items, each with a 4-point severity/frequency scale, higher is worse

Inclusion Criteria: Must be between the ages of 12-21 Diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome Must not have other conditions that limit the patients ability to perform exercise Exclusion Criteria: Patients who have undergone aortic surgery Patients with major congenital heart disease