Exercise Training for Heart Failure

Overseen By Mary Childers

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Must not be taking: Beta blockers, Non-dihydropyridine Ca++ blockers

Disqualifiers: Valvular heart disease, Atrial fibrillation, Chronic lung disease, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial focuses on improving exercise tolerance in individuals with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively during physical activity. Researchers aim to determine if exercise training, a structured program of physical activity, can enhance muscle oxygen utilization, potentially improving daily activities and overall well-being. Participants will engage in a specific leg exercise routine three times a week for eight weeks. Those experiencing symptoms of HFpEF and who are not currently highly active might be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to valuable research that could enhance the quality of life for those with HFpEF.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

You may need to stop taking certain medications like beta blockers or non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers for a short period before the trial. However, medications affecting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and diuretics can be continued.

What prior data suggests that this exercise training is safe for heart failure patients?

Research has shown that exercise is safe for people with heart failure. In one study, over 300 exercise sessions resulted in only one minor issue (a participant fainted), suggesting that exercise is generally well-tolerated. Other studies support this, indicating that exercise is usually safe and can improve heart function and help patients walk farther.

Overall, exercise appears to be a safe way to enhance health in people with heart failure. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about exercise training for heart failure because it offers a natural and non-invasive approach to improve heart health. Unlike traditional treatments such as medications or surgical interventions, exercise training focuses on enhancing cardiovascular fitness and overall physical well-being. This method is particularly appealing as it empowers patients to actively participate in their own health management. Additionally, exercise can potentially reduce the need for more aggressive treatments by improving heart function and reducing symptoms, providing a holistic benefit that addresses both physical and mental health.

What evidence suggests that exercise training might be an effective treatment for heart failure?

Research has shown that exercise greatly benefits people with heart failure. Studies find it boosts fitness levels and improves quality of life. Exercise also helps the heart function better and reduces the risk of hospital readmission. For those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), exercise may enhance muscle oxygenation and facilitate activity. This trial will focus on exercise training to help individuals with HFpEF feel better and remain active. ^{1 2 4 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people over 65 with heart failure where the heart pumps normally but fills abnormally (HFpEF). They must show signs of heart failure, have a normal ejection fraction (>0.50), and evidence of diastolic dysfunction. Excluded are those with severe lung or advanced heart diseases, certain arrhythmias, heavy exercise habits, recent smokers, kidney issues, or on specific heart medications.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been thoroughly checked for high blood pressure and heart disease.

I am older than 65 years.

I am over 65 years old and have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Exclusion Criteria

You have smoked cigarettes regularly in the last 10 years.

You have a specific heart condition called left bundle branch block.

I have a long-term lung condition.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Initial assessments of vascular, metabolic, and neural function

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants undergo 8 weeks of single knee extensor exercise training

8 weeks

3 visits per week (in-person)

Post-Treatment Assessment

Re-assessment of vascular, metabolic, and neural function after exercise training

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in exercise tolerance and physiological responses

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Exercise training

Trial Overview

The study tests if exercising one leg can improve blood flow to muscles, muscle oxygen use during exercise, and reduce nerve activity that narrows blood vessels in patients with HFpEF. It involves an 8-week knee extensor training program to see if these exercises can enhance overall exercise capacity and oxygen uptake.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Exercise training Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

8 Weeks exercise training 3x per week 30-40 minutes per session

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,102

Recruited

1,077,000+

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6396064/

Exercise Training and Heart Failure: A Review of the Literature

Exercise training and cardiac rehabilitation have demonstrated numerous benefits for people with CHF, including improved exercise capacity and QoL.

2.

ahajournals.org

ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.325533

Exercise Training in Heart Failure: Clinical Benefits and ...

These data suggest that exercise may reduce oxidative stress and protein degradation, leading to diaphragmatic dysfunction, yet may not be ...

3.

nature.com

nature.com/articles/s41598-024-82608-z

Effects of exercise based cardiac rehabilitation delivery ...

Effects on quality of life, symptoms and daily activity 6 months after termination of an exercise training programme in heart failure patients.

4.

frontiersin.org

frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2025.1557887/full

Exercise interventions for patients with heart failure

Studies have shown (4, 5) that exercise rehabilitation can improve cardiac function, enhance exercise tolerance, and improve quality of life.

5.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352013225000778

Review Efficacy and safety of exercise rehabilitation in the ...

Exercise-based rehabilitation, a core component of CR, has been proven to reduce readmission risks in chronic heart failure patients by enhancing coronary ...

6.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17960476/

Exercise training in patients with heart failure

Studies have demonstrated that exercise training can be performed safely in appropriately evaluated HF patients.