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Table 2 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

From: Supervised pulmonary hypertension exercise rehabilitation (SPHERe): study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial

Inclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria

â–ª Adults (18+) with confirmed PH (groups 1 to 5) as detailed in ESC/ERS guidelines [3].

â–ª Clinically stable: Groups 1, 4, & 5 - stable on optimal PH specific drug therapy (for those in whom it is appropriate) for at least one month, or evidence that these drugs cannot be tolerated. Groups 2 & 3 - stable on drug therapy for underlying cardiac or pulmonary disease for at least one month. Clinical stability defined as: presenting with, reproducible, manageable symptoms, not requiring any treatment other than routine follow-up care, and no PH related hospital admission in the last four weeks.

â–ª World Health Organisation (WHO) functional class II, III or IV.

â–ª Fluent in spoken English to allow engagement with intervention and physical outcome measures.

â–ª Live within reasonable travelling distance (as defined by the participant) of a SPHERe exercise rehabilitation centre.

â–ª Ability to provide informed consent.

â–ª Absolute contra-indications to exercise as per international clinical guidelines [22, 23].

â–ª PH-related complications, or comorbidities severe enough to prevent attendance at a SPHERe centre, or participation in exercise rehabilitation.

â–ª Any mental health issue that will prevent engagement with trial procedures.

â–ª Previous randomisation in the present trial

â–ª Pregnant at time of recruitment