Multidisciplinary exercise and lifestyle program for young people with congenital heart disease

Dr Derek Tran, University of Sydney

Postdoctoral Fellowship

Years funded: 2025 - 2026

Translating exercise into clinical care for adults with CHD

For adults with congenital heart disease (CHD), exercise has been discouraged in the past due to safety concerns. Our research and that of others, now shows that appropriately prescribed exercise is safe and beneficial, and can improve exercise capacity, quality of life (QoL) and cardiovascular (CV) health. Despite this, many young people with CHD do not engage in regular exercise and are less likely to be referred for cardiac rehabilitation, likely because current clinical models of care are not suitable. This translational research project aims to evaluate the implementation of a specialised multidisciplinary exercise and lifestyle program (i.e., the EXErCise and Lifestyle (EXCEL) Health Club Program) for young adults with CHD.

Personalised support through the EXCEL Health Club Program

Participants will attend the EXCEL clinic for an initial consultation and baseline assessment. Based on these results, the multidisciplinary team will develop an individualised 8-week telehealth program to improve CV health. Throughout the program, participants will receive expert support from exercise physiologists, dietitians, nurses, and psychologists. Participants will return to the clinic after 8-weeks for a final assessment visit.

Evaluating outcomes and real-world implementation

The effectiveness of the EXCEL Health Program will be reflected by improvements in exercise capacity and/or physical activity levels. Changes in QoL, body composition, psychosocial health, muscular fitness, lung function, blood biomarkers, and cardiac function will also be assessed. Furthermore, translational outcomes including the acceptance, feasibility, fidelity, and sustainability of the EXCEL Health Program will be evaluated using established implementation science frameworks. Importantly, by using a contemporary hybrid implementation science approach that evaluates both effectiveness and implementation outcomes, this research project will accelerate the translation of exercise as a therapy into clinical practice, improve the lives of adults with CHD, and enable more equitable access to best-practice care.