A Study Of Home-Based Exercise Rehabilitation For POTS

Overview

About this study

The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of a novel exercise prescription methodology of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), compared to low/moderate intensity continuous training (L/MICT), to maximize improvement in overall exercise capacity and exertional symptoms through improvement in cardiac output via stroke volume. We hypothesize that patients enrolled in HIIT will demonstrate greater improvement in peak exercise capacity and symptom dependent quality of life compared to patients enrolled in L/MICT.

 

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Patients >18 years old with preexisting or newly confirmed diagnosis of POTS including:

  • Presence of orthostatic symptoms for ≥3 months such as light-headedness, dizziness, nausea, head pressure, and/or dyspnea.

  • Sustained increase in HR of ≥30 beats/minute or a sustained HR of ≥120 beats/minute withing 10 minutes of initiation of tilting during a tilt-table test or, if tilt-table testing is not available, a sustained increase in HR of ≥30 beats/minute or a sustained HR of ≥120 beats/minute withing 10 minutes of initiation of standing during an Active Stand Test, 3.

  • Absence of orthostatic hypotension defined as a fall in systolic blood pressure of ≥20 mmHg and/or in diastolic blood pressure of ≥10 mmHg.

  • Able to engage in exercise (without orthopedic or musculoskeletal limitations). Patients enrolled in this trial will be asked to maintain current medication regimens and not make additional adjustments for the duration of this trial. Although we appreciate that certain medications used for the treatment of POTS may influence multiple physiologic systems in various ways, we feel it is important, practical, and safe to study these patients under conditions of optimal care. Concurrent withdrawal of medications would likely result in moderate decompensation in a high proportion of patients. Accordingly, the impact of our intervention will be generalizable to POTS patients receiving standard optimized pharmacologic therapy, consistent with the general community. Informed consent will be obtained before any trial-related activities. Trial-related activities are any procedures that are carried out as part of the trial, including activities to determine suitability for the trial.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of chronic anemia.

  • History of other chronic systemic diseases.

  • Current smoking or pack year history >20 years.

  • Individuals who are not able to engage in exercise (e.g. orthopaedic or musculoskeletal disorders/limitations)

  • Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent.

Note: Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria may apply.

Eligibility last updated 8/21/2025. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Thomas Olson

Open for enrollment

Contact information:

Nicole Argueta

(507) 422-6094

Argueta.Nicole@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available