Online Heart Failure Research Study
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center are conducting a study on a web-based mind-body walking and education program for adults with chronic heart failure.
Fast Facts
Diagnosed With Chronic Heart Failure
Ages 40+
Compensation
Provided Up To $200
Conducted Online
Study Background
Mindful Steps explores how a web-based mind-body exercise and education program may help people with chronic heart failure stay active through daily walking.
Chronic heart failure (CHF) can make it difficult to stay physically active, even though regular movement, especially walking, is known to support heart health, energy levels, and overall quality of life. Many people with CHF face barriers such as fatigue, lack of motivation, or limited access to in-person programs that support safe and consistent activity.
Mindful Steps is a fully online research study funded by the National Institutes of Health and led by doctors at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. The study is designed to learn whether combining walking with mind-body exercise, education, and online support can help people with CHF stay more physically active. By using technology such as a study website, virtual classes, and wearable devices, this program aims to provide accessible and structured support from home.
Study Background
Mindful Steps explores how a web-based mind-body exercise and education program may help people with chronic heart failure stay active through daily walking.
Chronic heart failure (CHF) can make it difficult to stay physically active, even though regular movement, especially walking, is known to support heart health, energy levels, and overall quality of life. Many people with CHF face barriers such as fatigue, lack of motivation, or limited access to in-person programs that support safe and consistent activity.
Mindful Steps is a fully online research study funded by the National Institutes of Health and led by doctors at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. The study is designed to learn whether combining walking with mind-body exercise, education, and online support can help people with CHF stay more physically active. By using technology such as a study website, virtual classes, and wearable devices, this program aims to provide accessible and structured support from home.
Additional Information
This study is being done to understand whether a web-based mind-body exercise and education program can help people with chronic heart failure stay physically active through daily walking.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 40+
- Diagnosed with chronic heart failure
- Have access to reliable internet through a smartphone, tablet, or computer
- Able to participate in an exercise program
- Do not use an assistive device for walking (e.g., a cane) more than 50% of the time
If you join the study, you will:
Complete the study entirely online with no in-person visits
Meet with study staff from BIDMC by phone or video several times over 15 months
Be randomly assigned, like flipping a coin, to either a web-based program group or a control group
If assigned to the web-based program group, you will:
Use the study website for activities and education
Wear a Fitbit every day to track activity
Join virtual mind-body exercise classes through Webex
Answer questions about your health and physical activity at different points during the study
All classes, activities, and materials are provided at no cost to you.
You can earn up to $200 for completing the study. You will receive $50 after completing each follow-up visit. You will also receive a Fitbit device to keep at the end of the study. Since the study is fully online, there are no transportation needs.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.