NCT07105007 · University of Washington
Proof-of-concept of a Behavioral Intervention to Improve the Cardiovascular Health of People Living With HIV
(HEICA-HIV-2025)
What this study is about
Heart failure (HF) is a growing health and economic burden around the globe, and it remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among the general population. HIV is recognized as an independent risk factor for HF, due to direct and indirect effects.
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Heart failure (HF) is a growing health and economic burden around the globe, and it remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among the general population. HIV is recognized as an independent risk factor for HF, due to direct and indirect effects. Furthermore, people living with HIV (PLWH) now have an increased life expectancy due to the evolution and widespread use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), leading to a rising burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and HF among this population. Yet, the provision of appropriate guideline-recommended cardiovascular care is lower in PLWH compared to the general population, and there are no studies testing HF prevention interventions focused on PLWH. Current guidelines for HF management highlight the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing and treating HF. Among PLWH, tailored, innovative, and sustainable exercise delivery models are necessary to overcome barriers and increase physical activity (PA) adherence in this population. Building on the research team's prior mixed methods work and research expertise on exercise trials for PLWH, the investigators propose the Hybrid Exercise Intervention for Cardiovascular Health of People living with HIV (HEICA-HIV). HEICA-HIV is a novel multi-component 8-week intervention that will simultaneously deliver a supervised center-based (once a week) and a tailored home-based (twice a week) exercise intervention, together with exercise and cardiovascular health education. It will also involve behavioral coaching and mobile health support. The investigators evidence suggests that, by providing weekly exercise supervision together with a home-based prescription, the investigators can overcome difficulties associated with home-based programs (e.g., less intensive exercise training, less social support, and less face-to-face monitoring), and still observe the augmented health benefits obtained from supervised programs. Additionally, by requiring less time at the training center, this hybrid model can help with time restraints and transportation issues affecting marginalized populations, potentially increasing long-term exercise adherence in those who need it most. In this initial stage, HEICA-HIV will be focused on improving time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). International guidelines recommend that every adult should engage in at least 150 minutes of MVPA per week in order to achieve optimal health benefits.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Exercise Intervention
After completing the education sessions, the participants will start 8 weeks of a hybrid exercise intervention, three days/week, being one supervised session in the exercise center and two unsupervised sessions at home. Sessions at the exercise center will be supervised by experienced exercise trainers in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention is designed to meet the recommendation of at least 150 minutes of MVPA per week and the recommendations on exercise intensity and volume from the ACSM. Each exercise session will be composed of aerobic and resistance exercises at moderate intensity (i.e., combined exercise training), which is the best exercise model for the needs of PLWH. Additionally, poor muscle strength has been associated with lower VO2peak among PLWH, suggesting that appropriate muscle-strengthening exercises can improve the aerobic performance of these patients. The aerobic exercise will be performed in a continuous manner and prescribed using the heart rate reserve.
BEHAVIORAL
Tailored Education sessions
At the beginning of the program, the participants will receive two face-to-face group education sessions, consisting of 90 minutes of exercise and cardiovascular health education. The material for the education sessions will be developed by the study team (a diverse team including exercise scientists, nurse, cardiologist, and infectious disease specialist). The focus of the sessions will be to increase the participants' knowledge and self-efficacy. The education sessions will occur prior to the start of the exercise intervention, to teach the participants how to safely perform the home-based exercises. An interventionist, who will possess a degree in a health profession, will present the content following the completion of standard training using material and guidance developed for this purpose. The content of the sessions will include a self-assessment on exercise and physical activity, and incorporate the ACSM recommendations for quantity and quality of exercise
BEHAVIORAL
Behavioral coaching
At the end of their weekly in-person exercise sessions, the participants will receive a 20 minute coaching session to address their attitudes, self-efficacy, and behavioral self-management skills towards exercise. During the sessions, the trainers will be taught to use motivational interviewing, an evidence-based communication strategy that identifies and enhances patients' own motivations and reasons for health behavior change. Motivational interviewing is an approach to assessment and intervention based on the Stages of Motivational Readiness for Change model, which has been shown to increase physical activity in people with chronic health conditions. According to the Stages of Motivational Readiness for Change Model, individuals move through a series of stages (i.e., Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and Maintenance) as they adopt and maintain a new habit. The coaching session will also address barriers from the home-based sessions, discuss HIV-specific barriers
BEHAVIORAL
Mobile health support
At the beginning of the program the participants will receive a fitness activity tracker (e.g., Fitbit or similar) to help in achieving their PA goals. Contemporary activity trackers provide reliable information on heart rate, steps count, and amount of PA performed, that will help the participants to monitor the intensity and amount during the home-base sessions. Heart rate monitoring will also be used to assess compliance with the home-based exercise prescription. Trackers also include gamification, awarding badges and trophies when goals are attained, that is demonstrated to be motivating.
BEHAVIORAL
General education
Control participants will complete one brief education session delivered at baseline, covering exercise safety and general physical activity recommendations consistent with professional society guidelines (e.g., American College of Sports Medicine). Following education, participants will receive a non-individualized, generic home-based exercise recommendation emphasizing aerobic and resistance activities, without supervised training, structured progression, individualized feedback, or behavioral coaching. Control participants will not receive motivational interviewing support.
Primary outcome measures
Intervention Adherence
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Description: Number of exercise and education sessions attended by each participant during the intervention. Unit of Measure: Number of sessions attended
Time Spent in Sedentary Behavior
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Description: Exploratory analysis of the average time spent in sedentary behavior per week. Unit of Measure: Minutes per week
Daily Step Count
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Description: Exploratory outcome assessing the average daily number of steps. Unit of Measure: Steps per day
Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) Time
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Description: The primary outcome will be the objectively measured amount of time (in minutes) spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week. Assessment Method: Using the wGT3X-BT ActiGraph accelerometer (ActiGraph, LLC, Fort Walton Beach, FL), participants will wear the device for 7 consecutive days during waking hours. Data will be considered valid with at least 10 hours/day of wear time for at least 4 days. Data Processing: Data will be reduced using ActiLife software and MVPA will be classified based on Sasaki et al. adult cutpoints. Unit of Measure: Minutes per week
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Confirmed HIV infection (verified on medical record)
- Age ≥40 years
- Classified as heart failure stage A or B (American Heart Association Guidelines)
- On antiretroviral therapy (ART) for ≥12 months
- HIV RNA \<200 copies/mL in the past 12 months
- Not engaged in a structured exercise or weight loss program in the past 6 months
- Physically inactive, defined as an activity level of less than 400 METs measured with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ)
- Independent in basic activities of daily living
- Able to ambulate independently
Exclusion criteria
- Heart failure stage C or D (AHA Guidelines)
- Participating in structured exercise or weight loss program in the past 6 months
- Exercising ≥3 times per week (≥20 minutes per session)
- Do not report fatigue
- Significant comorbidities (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, severe musculoskeletal/neurological conditions)
- Pregnant or postmenopausal women
Where
- Seattle, Washington
Collaborators
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, State University of Londrina
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
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How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations