Exercise Training in Patients With Glaucoma

Launched by HENNER HANSSEN · Sep 21, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The HIT GLAUCOMA trial is a study looking at whether exercise can help treat glaucoma, a condition that affects vision. This research is taking place at three different centers in Switzerland and Belgium. Participants in the study will be divided into two groups: one group will follow a special exercise program involving high-intensity interval training, while the other group will receive lifestyle advice and standard treatments for glaucoma. The main goal is to see if exercise can improve the progression of the disease and enhance the quality of life for those living with glaucoma.

To join the study, participants need to be between 40 and 75 years old and diagnosed with certain types of glaucoma. They should also be under regular care at one of the study centers. However, those who have had recent eye surgery, significant health issues, or who are already exercising regularly may not qualify. Throughout the trial, participants can expect to engage in a structured exercise program and will be monitored closely to understand the effects of this therapy on their glaucoma. This study could be important for finding new ways to manage glaucoma and improve patients' overall well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Voluntary written informed consent of the participant has been obtained prior to any screening procedures
• • Patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), high tension glaucoma (HTG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG), aged 40 - 75 years
• • In regular follow-up in either of the two study centres
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients having had glaucoma surgery within 6 months before start of the project
• • Patients with changes in topical medication or laser trabeculoplasty within 3 months before start of the project
• • Patients with very severe glaucoma (visual field mean deviation lower than -12Db)
• • Significant opacification of ocular media
• • Patients with life-threatening arrhythmia, signs of ischemia during CPET which preclude participation in an exercise trial
• • Patients with insulin treated diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cancer.
• • Patients doing ≥1 structured exercise training session per week or \>150min of exercise/week assessed via the following two questions: a. On average, how many days per week do you engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity (like brisk walking)? b. On average, how many minutes per day do you engage in physical activity at this level? Calculate the total weekly minutes of exercise by multiplying a times b.
• • Mental or physical limitation precluding participation in a high intensity exercise program