OptimEx (Optimizing Exercise Training in Prevention and Treatment of Diastolic Heart Failure) is a multicenter study focusing on the patophysiological mechanisms involved in diastolic heart failure (HFPEF), and exercise as a medicine for this condition (read more about the background of the study here). Duration is from October 2013 to March 2017, and it is funded by the EU and FP7 HEALTH. Two experimental trials (WP1+2: primary+secondary prevention, respectively) and one clinical trial (WP3: OptimEx-CLIN, secondary prevention) will be conducted. Further, development of a telemedicine platform to improve monitoring and adherence to exercise will be emphasized (WP4).

The major objectives of OptimEx are:

• to understand the effect of the volume (frequency x intensity x duration) of exercise interventions on structural and functional outcome parameters in animal models at risk for or with HFPEF
• to gain mechanistic insight into pathophysiological pathways affected by exercise training in HFPEF
• to establish the optimal volume of exercise training on structural and functional outcome in patients with established HFPEF in a prospective European multicenter trial
• to introduce and investigate a novel telemedicine approach, in the context of exercise training in HFPEF in order to optimize adherence, supervision, and economic aspects of the intervention
• to identify potential novel therapeutic targets for future pharmacotherapies for this syndrome

OptimEx will consists of 6 work packages (read more here). A strong focus is set on dissemination of the results, especially aimed at general public and patients in the target group.

Five European universities and one telemedicine company are collaborating in OptimEx - read more about the partners here.