A Pilot Study Comparing Core, Aerobic, and Combined Exercise in Adults with Stable Heart Attack or Heart Failure During Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the impact of adding core muscle endurance training to cardiac rehabilitation CR for adults with stable myocardial infarction MI or heart failure HF. This randomized trial aims to clarify the safety and feasibility of core training alongside standard aerobic CR and to compare their effects on fitness, core endurance, balance, symptoms, and quality of life. The study will help guide exercise prescriptions in Phase II CR for this population. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups Pilates-based core endurance training twice weekly, standard aerobic training twice weekly using treadmill or cycle ergometer, or a combined program with one session of each per week. Each session lasts about 60 minutes, supervised with continuous safety monitoring, and the intervention period lasts eight weeks. During the study, participants undergo baseline and post-training assessments including peak oxygen uptake, six-minute walk distance, various core endurance and balance tests, hand grip strength, body composition, and symptom questionnaires. Researchers monitor safety continuously, and participants attend supervised sessions twice per week for eight weeks. The study duration includes initial testing, the training program, and follow-up assessments to evaluate changes in fitness and function.

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Core Exercise, Aerobic Exercise, and Combined Exercise in Patients Undergoing Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation.