Remote Self-training Program for Patients With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

The purpose of this research is to evaluate if a hybrid semi-supervised remote exercise training program can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life and physical fitness in individuals with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and determine if this program is more effective than current standard of care.

To answer these questions, 60 individuals with POTS will be recruited to complete a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test with measures of cardiac output, autonomic function testing, blood volume measurement, and QOL questionnaires at baseline and following 3-months of treatment. Thirty participants will be randomized to continue with the standard of care which can include lower body and core strengthening, fluids, salt, medications and sometimes exercise. The other thirty participants will be asked to complete at least three exercise training sessions a week (progressing to 3hrs/wk of aerobic and 1hr/wk of strength training) and receive eight supervised training sessions over the 3-month treatment period. All participants will be provided with a polar heart rate monitor which will be linked to a connected health application to allow patients to track any aerobic workout, ensure during a session they are in the correct training zone, and allow the study team to remotely monitor adherence.