Safety and Effectiveness of a 12-Week Eccentric Cycling Program for Older Adults with Sarcopenia and Heart Failure

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.

Feasibility and Effectiveness of Eccentric Exercise in Sarcopenic Older Adults with Heart Failure: a Pilot Study