High-Intensity Interval Nordic Walking for Coronary Artery Disease
(HIIT-NoW Trial)
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment High-Intensity Interval Nordic Walking for Coronary Artery Disease?
Research shows that Nordic walking, when combined with standard cardiac rehabilitation, improves physical activity levels, aerobic efficiency, and quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease. It also positively affects certain risk factors for heart disease, making it a more effective therapy than standard cardiac rehabilitation alone.12345
Is High-Intensity Interval Nordic Walking safe for people with coronary artery disease?
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), which includes High-Intensity Interval Nordic Walking, has shown a low rate of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease when used in cardiac rehabilitation settings, with only one major event occurring per 17,083 training sessions.12456
How is high-intensity interval Nordic walking different from other treatments for coronary artery disease?
High-intensity interval Nordic walking is unique because it combines the benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with the full-body engagement of Nordic walking, which uses poles to work more muscle groups. This approach not only improves cardiovascular health but also enhances functional capacity and quality of life, making it a novel option compared to traditional exercise therapies.12357
What is the purpose of this trial?
Coronary revascularization, such as heart bypass surgery (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI \[inserting a stent to open up blood vessels\]) improve survival for people with coronary artery disease. Yet, many patients suffer from poor physical and mental health after coronary revascularization. Traditional cardiac rehabilitation involving moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training (MICT) improves physical and mental health. However, alternative exercise programs, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and Nordic walking may provide superior benefits. Nordic walking is like Nordic skiing but uses specifically designed poles for walking. Nordic walking involved core, upper and lower body muscles, resulting in greater energy expenditure while reducing loading stress at the knee. To date, HIIT used in cardiac rehabilitation settings has focused on lower body (e.g., leg cycling). The investigators are not aware of HIIT protocols that target both upper and lower body at the same time. An exercise program that combines HIIT and Nordic walking (HIIT-NoW) may offer an alternative time-efficient whole-body exercise to improve physical and mental health. This study will test if HIIT-NoW can be an alternative exercise option to improve physical and mental health in patients with coronary artery disease.
Research Team
Jennifer L Reed, PhD
Principal Investigator
Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for patients at least 40 years old with coronary artery disease who have had a stent inserted or heart bypass surgery. They must be willing to attend exercise sessions on-site, able to perform an exercise test measuring heart and lung function, and not currently in cardiac rehab.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo high-intensity interval Nordic walking training or standard cardiovascular rehabilitation
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- High-intensity interval Nordic walking
- Standard cardiovascular rehabilitation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation
Lead Sponsor