New program targets exercise fear in heart patients

NCT ID NCT05398276

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a 6-session program called BE-FIT that helps cardiac rehabilitation patients reduce anxiety about exercise. The program uses gradual exposure to feared sensations, prevents safety behaviors, and uses activity monitors for feedback. Researchers will enroll 146 adults aged 40+ with high exercise anxiety to see if the program increases exercise minutes and attendance.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Behavioral Exposure for Interoceptive Tolerance (BE-FIT) program

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide an effective way to help cardiac rehab patients overcome exercise anxiety and become more physically active.

What could go wrong

This is a relatively small, early-stage trial (146 participants) testing a behavioral intervention, so results may not apply to everyone. The program requires multiple sessions and may not work for all patients.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder heart disorder Kinesiophobia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • RWJ Cardiac Rehab at East Brunswick

    RECRUITING

    East Brunswick, New Jersey, 08816, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

    RECRUITING

    Hillsborough, New Jersey, 08844, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Rutgers Emotion, Health and Behavior Laboratory Department of Psychology

    RECRUITING

    New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••