Actively Recruiting
The Role of Eccentric Exercise in Older Adults with Sarcopenia and Heart Failure: A Feasibility and Effectiveness Study
Led by Universita di Verona · Updated on 2025-03-14
15
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of a 12-week eccentric exercise program specifically designed for older adults aged 65 to 85 years who have sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity along with chronic heart failure (HF). The study aims to improve muscle strength, physical performance, and overall health while minimizing strain on the heart. This pilot study will help determine if eccentric cycling exercise is a safe and beneficial option for this population. The intervention involves a supervised eccentric cycling training program lasting three months. Participants will first complete a two-week familiarization phase to adjust to the equipment and exercise intensity. Following this, the exercise sessions will start at twice a week during the first month, increasing to three times weekly for the next two months. Each session includes a warm-up, a main phase of eccentric cycling at light to moderate intensity, and a cool-down. Exercise intensity will be carefully monitored and adjusted based on heart rate and perceived exertion ratings to ensure safety and effectiveness. Participants will undergo various assessments before and after the 12-week program, including physical performance tests like the Short Physical Performance Battery and 6-Minute Walk Test, muscle strength measurements, and body composition analysis using DXA scans and bioelectrical impedance. The study will also monitor adherence, tolerance, and physical activity using wearable sensors over several days. Researchers will track recruitment, session attendance, adherence to training volume, and program tolerance as primary outcomes, alongside questionnaires assessing nutrition, cognition, and quality of life related to heart failure.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Feasibility and Effectiveness of Eccentric Exercise in Sarcopenic Older Adults with Heart Failure: a Pilot Study
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 65 and 85 years
- Diagnosed with stable heart failure (HF) with preserved (≥50%) or reduced (≤40%) ejection fraction
- Classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 1, 2, or 3
- Diagnosed with sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity based on muscle strength and body composition criteria
- Ability to participate in supervised eccentric cycling exercise program
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe obstructive heart disease
- Aortic valve stenosis
- Severe arrhythmias detected during stress testing
- Intracavitary thrombosis
- Severe pulmonary hypertension (>70 mmHg)
- History of venous thromboembolism within the last three months
- History of heart transplantation
- Medical conditions severely limiting functional capacity beyond heart failure impact
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) for medical screening and body composition testing
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants undergo a two-week familiarization phase with the eccentric cycling equipment to adjust to exercise intensity and ensure safety.
2 visits within one week during familiarization sessions
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants engage in a supervised eccentric cycling training program lasting 12 weeks, with sessions gradually increasing in frequency and intensity to improve muscle strength and physical function.
Twice weekly sessions during Weeks 1-4; three times weekly sessions during Weeks 5-12
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
University of Verona
Verona, Verona, Italy, 37131
Actively Recruiting
2
University of Verona
Verona, Verona, Italy, 37131
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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