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A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Core Exercise, Aerobic Exercise, and Combined Exercise in Patients Undergoing Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation.
Sponsor: National Taiwan University Hospital
Summary
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended after myocardial infarction (MI) or heart failure (HF), yet the added value of core muscle endurance training within CR remains uncertain. This randomized, three-arm trial will enroll 60 adults with stable MI or HF who are referred to Phase II CR. After consent and baseline testing, participants are allocated 1:1:1 to: (1) Pilates-based core endurance training, (2) standard aerobic CR (treadmill or cycle), or (3) combined aerobic plus core training. Supervised sessions occur twice weekly for eight weeks (\~60 minutes/session) with continuous safety monitoring. The primary aim is to evaluate feasibility and safety of core training in this population. The study also compares effects of the three programs on cardiorespiratory fitness and function (e.g., peak oxygen uptake, six-minute walk distance), core endurance, balance, symptoms, and health-related quality of life. Findings will clarify whether adding core training improves outcomes and inform clinical exercise prescription in CR.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2025-12-01
Completion Date
2029-12-31
Last Updated
2025-11-24
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Core exercise training
Two core sessions per week, 1 hour per session. Pilates-based core endurance training progressing in difficulty with emphasis on breathing and posture; exercises performed in sitting, supine, prone, and quadruped positions.
conventional cardiac rehabilitation (aerobic training)
Two aerobic training sessions per week, 1 hour per session. Aerobic program targets 40-80% heart-rate reserve on a treadmill or cycle ergometer.
combined training
One core training session and one aerobic training session per week, 1hr per session. Core program (Pilates-based) progresses in difficulty with emphasis on breathing and posture; aerobic program targets 40-80% heart-rate reserve on a treadmill or cycle ergometer.
Locations (1)
National Taiwan University Hospital
Taipei, Taiwan