Design and rationale of the MIGHTEE study: Motivational interviewing and group heart transplant exercise and...

Many pediatric heart transplant (HT) recipients have decreased physical activity, which worsens their cardiovascular risk profile, contributes to long-term morbidity and mortality, and is associated with lower quality of life (QOL). While participation in a regular exercise program improves the cardiovascular health of pediatric HT recipients, there are limited data on how to best implement exercise-based interventions that are accessible, effective, and sustainable.

This manuscript describes the design, rationale, and baseline cohort characteristics of the Motivational Interviewing and Group Heart Transplant Exercise and Education (MIGHTEE) intervention, a structured virtual group exercise program developed with input from pediatric HT recipients and their families.

Over 24 months, 65 HT recipients were screened, and 44 recipients were determined to be eligible. Of the 23 subjects enrolled in MIGHTEE (52% enrollment rate), the majority were male (52%), and 26% self-identified as Black. The mean subject age was 16.1 years (standard deviation [SD] = 2.2), and the mean time from HT was 4.9 years (range = 1-18 years) with 43% having a history of congenital heart disease. All participants completed baseline testing, and wearable device adherence exceeded 80% of monitored days.

This manuscript describes the rationale and study design of the MIGHTEE study, which will provide important data regarding the optimal methods for delivering physical activity-related interventions to pediatric HT survivors. This design and rationale paper highlights the feasibility of enrollment and program delivery, with outcomes analyses forthcoming in subsequent reports.