New program targets exercise fear in heart patients

NCT ID NCT05398276

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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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.

ANXIETY CARDIAC REHABILITATION EXERCISE SENSITIVITY INTROCEPTIVE EXPOSURE

Contacts and locations

Locations

RWJ Cardiac Rehab at East Brunswick
RECRUITING

East Brunswick, New Jersey, 08816, United States
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
RECRUITING

Hillsborough, New Jersey, 08844, United States
Rutgers Emotion, Health and Behavior Laboratory Department of Psychology
RECRUITING

New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901, United States

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