Actively Recruiting
Improving Outcomes From Cardiac Rehabilitation Among Older Adults Through Exercise Testing and Individualized Exercise Intensity Prescriptions
Led by Baystate Medical Center · Updated on 2025-07-09
320
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
47 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
B
Baystate Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
H
Henry Ford Hospital
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The trial investigates exercise prescriptions for older adults aged 60 years or older who are eligible for cardiac rehabilitation due to recent heart conditions such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, coronary interventions, or heart valve surgery. Researchers aim to compare two exercise prescription methods on fitness outcomes, explore the impact of psychological feedback on exercise behavior, and assess long-term clinical results in a larger group across two medical centers. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group receives a graded exercise test to determine their target heart rate range (THRR) and psychoeducational feedback to guide their cardiac rehabilitation exercise intensity. The second group follows usual care with exercise guided by their rating of perceived exertion and receives heart-healthy nutrition education. Both groups attend at least 18 rehabilitation sessions and wear heart rate and physical activity monitors. During the study, participants complete surveys about exercise attitudes and anxiety, and undergo fitness assessments including a 6-minute walk test, strength, balance, and physical performance tests. Researchers monitor exercise intensity, physical activity levels, and psychological factors. The primary outcome is change in functional fitness from baseline to the final rehabilitation session, with additional follow-up assessments up to six months later. Participants are closely monitored throughout their rehabilitation program and beyond.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Improving Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Using Target Heart Rate Trial
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients eligible for cardiac rehabilitation due to a recent cardiac event such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass graft, or heart valve surgery within the past 6 months
- Age 60 years or older
- Lives in or plans to reside in the Springfield, MA or greater Detroit, MI area for at least one year
- Recruited from a Phase 2 Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Baystate Medical Center or Henry Ford Health System
- Agrees to attend at least 18 cardiac rehabilitation sessions after randomization
- Agrees to attend cardiac rehabilitation at least twice a week
You will not qualify if you...
- Permanent atrial fibrillation
- Heart transplant
- Left-ventricular assist device
- Stable angina
- High-risk un-revascularized coronary artery disease
- Symptomatic peripheral artery disease
- Aortic and/or mitral stenosis
- Any condition that makes exercise testing or training unsafe or limited
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.
Participants provide informed consent and complete baseline assessments including physical tests and questionnaires.
Duration - Approximately 3 weeks
Participants complete baseline fitness and psychological assessments and undergo initial cardiac rehabilitation sessions using usual care.
Participants attend at least 3 cardiac rehabilitation sessions prior to randomization.
Duration - Until completion of at least 18 cardiac rehabilitation sessions
Participants are randomized to either usual care exercise prescription or personalized exercise prescription based on graded exercise test and target heart rate range. They continue cardiac rehabilitation with guidance specific to their group.
Participants attend cardiac rehabilitation sessions at least twice a week, with feedback provided during sessions depending on group assignment.
Duration - 6 months after final cardiac rehabilitation session
Participants are assessed for changes in functional fitness and physical performance up to 6 months after completing the cardiac rehabilitation sessions.
Participants attend follow-up assessments to measure long-term outcomes.
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Baystate Medical Center
Springfield, Massachusetts, United States, 01199
Actively Recruiting
2
Henry Ford Health System
Detroit, Michigan, United States, 48202
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Q
Quinn R Pack, MD
K
Karen L Riska, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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