Home-based neuro-cardiac rehabilitation in congenital heart disease: the QUALINEURO-REHAB trial study protocol
This protocol describes QUALINEURO-REHAB, a multicenter randomized controlled trial of a 12-week home-based neuro-cardiac rehabilitation program for children, adolescents and young adults aged 8–25 years with complex congenital heart disease. The program combines cardiac rehabilitation, high-intensity interval training and patient education with computerized executive-function training and neuropsychological guidance, delivered through a secure digital health platform.
Calderon J. et al. · BMJ Open · 2026
QUALIREHAB — the foundation trial
The QUALIREHAB multicenter randomized controlled trial demonstrates that a 12-week hybrid cardiac rehabilitation program significantly improves quality of life, physical health, and mental health in youth with congenital heart disease. These findings validate the safety and effectiveness of this multidisciplinary approach. With positive outcomes sustained at the 12-month mark, this model successfully bridges the gap in standard care. These results now support the expansion of the program to other pediatric chronic diseases.
Amedro P. et al. · European Heart Journal · 2024
SOPHROCARE trial — relaxation therapy in youth with congenital heart disease
This multicenter randomized controlled trial evaluates a remote sophrology program in young people with congenital heart disease. It shows that the program does not improve maximum oxygen uptake but significantly improves quality of life. These findings suggest that mind-body programs may be useful in preventive cardiology and should be studied further.
Moreau J. et al. · European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing · 2026
TRANSITION trial — educating youth with congenital heart disease moving to adult care
This multicenter randomized controlled trial shows that a structured transition program significantly improves quality of life and knowledge in young adults with congenital heart disease. These results validate the generalization of this approach to guarantee better follow-up toward adult medicine.
Bredy C. et al. · Journal of Adolescent Health · 2024
RYTHMO'FIT trial — rehab for children with long QT syndrome
This study confirms that an adapted cardiac rehabilitation program is safe, feasible, and beneficial for youth with long QT syndrome. After 12 weeks, participants show a significant improvement in their physical condition and quality of life, without any cardiac events.
Souilla L. et al. · BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation · 2024
SOPHRO-ASTHMA trial — mind-body therapy for youth with asthma
This multicenter randomized controlled trial shows that sophrology, in addition to conventional treatment, significantly improves peak expiratory flow, oxygen saturation, and dyspnea in children hospitalized for asthma. Although promising as an adjuvant therapy, it does not, however, modify the length of hospitalization or medication needs.
Romieu H. et al. · Pediatric Pulmonology · 2018
