Clinical Research Directory

Effects of External Upper Limb Loading on Gait and Trunk Muscle Activity in Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients

This study examines how external loading applied to the upper limbs affects gait parameters and the activity of selected trunk- and pelvis-stabilizing muscles (erector spinae, gluteus medius, tensor fasciae latae, external oblique) in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. Participants are medically stable adults (18-80 years) referred to cardiac rehabilitation following a cardiac event or procedure, meeting NYHA class I-II criteria, with no unstable coronary disease, uncontrolled hypertension, neurological disease, or other exclusion criteria. Participants will walk on a treadmill at 1 km/h, 3 km/h and 5 km/h under three conditions: without load, with unilateral upper-limb loading, and with bilateral upper-limb loading. Muscle activity will be recorded using surface electromyography (sEMG), and plantar pressure/gait parameters will be recorded simultaneously using baropodometry integrated into the treadmill. The procedure is non-invasive, does not breach the skin, and does not involve any additional intervention beyond standard rehabilitation. To contextualize functional outcomes, previously collected exercise stress test results (performed independently by the treating physician before and after cardiac rehabilitation, as part of routine clinical care) will be retrieved from participants' medical records for comparison; this is a retrospective data comparison, not an additional study intervention. No financial compensation is provided. Each participant will receive an individual report of their sEMG and gait findings with professional interpretation. Risks are minimal and limited to transient skin irritation from electrodes and mild, temporary muscle fatigue or soreness typical of moderate exercise. Participants may withdraw at any time.

Accelerated (Intensive) Cardiac Training for Heart Failure Patients

The purpose of this study is to see if patients undergoing accelerated Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR) (2 weeks after discharge) will improve exercise performance as well as on measures of quality of life after a cardiac hospitalization.

Improving Veteran Referral to Cardiac Rehabilitation

This study will test whether the Veterans Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral Program (VCR2P) improves cardiac rehabilitation participation by studying 816 Veterans across three VA medical centers in Nashville, Dallas, and Gainesville over 12 months. The trial compares referral rates from the 6 months before implementing the program to 6 months after, using a "before and after" design since randomization would be impractical. The study will measure whether the program increases the proportion of eligible Veterans who receive cardiac rehabilitation referrals and whether more Veterans actually attend rehabilitation sessions. Additionally, focus groups with physicians, nurses, and Veterans will identify what helps or hinders the program's success, providing essential insights for expanding this intervention to other VA facilities nationwide if it proves effective.

The Role of 4 Different Consent Approaches on a Pilot Study to Increase Cardiac Rehabilitation Attendance

Cardiac Rehabilitation is a lifestyle and exercise program for patients with heart disease. Cardiac Rehabilitation is strongly recommended in guidelines, but only 30% of eligible patients attend. New strategies are needed to help more patients attend cardiac rehabilitation. In this study, the investigators will see if using an $50 incentive, case management, text messages, and physical activity coaching combined into a single intervention will help more patients attend cardiac rehabilitation. In preparation for a larger trial, patients will also be randomly assigned to four different ways of seeking their permission to be in a research study. The investigators will see if these approaches affect how many people participate in the research project. The two main goals of this study is to understand: 1. If the consent approach type impacts participation rates in the research study 2. If the multi-component intervention (case management, financial incentives, text messages, and physical activity coaching) improves cardiac rehabilitation participation within 3 months.

The Italian Alliance for Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Prevention (ITACARE-P) Registry: An Observational Study on Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients With Coronary Disease or Heart Failure

The ITACARE-P CardioRehab Registry is a nationwide observational study conducted in Italy and coordinated by the Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi in Milan. It involves multiple hospitals and rehabilitation centres across the country and aims to better understand how cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is delivered to patients recovering from heart conditions (coronary artery disease and/or heart failure). CR is a structured programme that includes exercise, lifestyle education, and psychological support, and is known to improve recovery, reduce future cardiac events, lower hospital readmissions, and enhance quality of life. Despite strong recommendations from international guidelines, not all eligible patients are referred to CR, and its delivery varies. This study collects real-world data to describe how CR programmes are implemented, evaluate whether patients meet recommended treatment targets (such as lower cholesterol in coronary patients or reduced heart-failure blood markers), assess patient outcomes, identify subgroups needing tailored care, and support improvements in cardiac care services in Italy. Adults who recently experienced a qualifying heart condition are enrolled and followed during their standard rehabilitation, without any changes to treatment. Data on medical history, risk factors, quality of life, functional capacity, and medication use are collected, with follow-up at 6 and 12 months. Participation involves no added risks, and personal health data are securely managed in accordance with EU GDPR regulations using the REDCap system. The study aims to enhance the quality, consistency, and equity of cardiac rehabilitation across the country.

Transition to Cardiac Rehabilitation (T2CR) to Address Barriers of Multimorbidity and Frailty

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a secondary prevention program for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is especially valuable as CVD increasingly occurs in combination with comorbidity, frailty, and complexities of care that predispose patients to functional decline, disability, and high costs. Still, few Veterans participate in CR, in part because of the difficult logistics to attend. Promising Practice home-based CR (HBCR) was developed to increase CR participation, but many Veterans remain too limited by comorbidity and frailty for participation. A Transition to CR (T2CR) intervention is a face-to-face program that fosters vital skills, education, insights, motivation, and patient-provider relationships conducive to successful HBCR thereafter. This study compares Veterans eligible for CR who are randomized to T2CR intervention versus usual care. Differences in functional capacity, HBCR participation, and healthy days at home are compared over one year. Patients' experiences and providers' perspectives of barriers and facilitators to T2CR are also compared.

Cardiac REhabilitation COhort at the Medicine Campus DaVos to invEstigate Recovery

The RECOVER study, titled Cardiac Rehabilitation Cohort at the Medicine Campus Davos for Exploration of Recovery, is a prospective, non-interventional, monocentric cohort study conducted at the Hochgebirgsklinik Davos. The study is sponsored by Medicine Campus Davos AG and the Kühne Foundation, with an estimated start date in July 2025 and planned completion by December 2034, with the possibility of extension. The principal investigator of the study is PD Dr. David Niederseer from Hochgebirgsklinik Davos, who also represents the study. The research team includes co-investigators such as Prof. Dr. Stefan Blankenberg and Prof. Dr. Andreas Ziegler from Cardio-CARE, Medicine Campus Davos, as well as Dr. Jan Vontobel from Hochgebirgsklinik Davos. The study will enroll patients referred to Hochgebirgsklinik Davos for cardiac rehabilitation who provide informed consent. Cardiac rehabilitation is an evidence-based therapy for patients with heart disease, including those who have undergone cardiac procedures or surgeries. The primary objectives are to evaluate baseline patient characteristics, rehabilitation strategies, predictors of recovery, and clinical outcomes during and after rehabilitation. To support this, a detailed database and biobank will be established to allow for comprehensive phenotyping, extensive clinical assessments, and long-term follow-up. RECOVER seeks to gain translational insights into how patient-specific factors - such as genetics, plasma, digital and clinical biomarkers, and comorbidities - influence long-term clinical outcomes. The goal is to identify modifiable risk factors to optimize individualized therapeutic approaches in cardiac rehabilitation.

Strength and Balance Integration in Maintenance Cardiac Rehabilitation for Older Adults

The goal of this cluster randomised clinical trial is to investigate the impact of adding strength and balance exercises into traditional aerobic-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Community/Maintenance classes on the functional fitness of older adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. To explore participants' functional fitness changes, 2. Confidence in balance, 3. Concerns about falling compared to those participating in traditional aerobic-based cardiac rehabilitation only. 4. Understand the perceptions of participants regarding the addition of strength and balance into classes. 5. Understand the views of exercise professionals delivering the classes with additional strength and balance. Participants: 1. Will get their Functional fitness measured using the Functional Fitness MOT at baseline, and carry out questionnaires on their current physical activity levels, confidence in balance and concerns about falling. 2. The traditional aerobic-based cardiac rehabilitation classes (Clusters) will be randomised into Intervention Groups (additional strength and balance added) and usual care (Control Groups). 3. After 12 weeks, Functional Fitness and the questionnaires will be reassessed. 4. Two weeks after the 12-week follow-up, participants will be invited to an online focus group on Microsoft Teams to understand their perceptions of strength and balance. 5. Additionally, exercise Leaders will be invited to an interview on Microsoft Teams to discuss their views on strength and balance incorporation into maintenance cardiac rehabilitation classes.

Exploring IHG Training in CR

Research has shown that isometric (constant squeeze) exercise training using an isometric handgrip (IHG) device lowers resting blood pressure (BP) in those with and without high BP. The purpose of this study is to explore if IHG training will lower resting BP in people doing cardiac rehabilitation more than doing only cardiac rehabilitation. Once eligibility is confirmed participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups for the study. One group will do IHG training in addition to cardiac rehabilitation (Group 1), and the other group will do only cardiac rehabilitation (Group 2). Participants assigned to Group 1 will be asked to do IHG training on their own with an inflatable ball three days per week for 12 weeks with intensity set based on rating of perceived exertion (RPE) or rating of effort. Participants will self-measure and report their resting BP to investigators. The acceptability of doing IHG training will also be explored by conducting interviews with participants as will the impact that IHG training may have on psychological wellbeing by administering surveys to participants.

Hospital-to-Home Transitional Cardiac Rehabilitation After Cardiac Surgery

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves outcomes after cardiac surgery, but is usually delivered on a fixed centre-based schedule that requires repeated daytime hospital attendance. A hybrid model, in which supervised training begins in hospital and then transitions to monitored home-based training, may make the service reachable for more patients without reducing supervision during the early postoperative period. This single-blind randomised controlled trial compared a hospital-to-home transitional (hybrid) CR programme with conventional centre-based CR in adults at low exercise-training risk after cardiac surgery. Participants were allocated 1:1. Control participants attended twice weekly for 8 weeks (16 supervised sessions). Hybrid participants attended twice weekly for 2 weeks (4 supervised sessions), underwent a repeat risk assessment, and then trained at home for 6 weeks with heart-rate monitoring, a cloud-based care platform, weekly telephone contact and twice-weekly text messages. The primary outcome was peak oxygen uptake measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing at baseline and 8 weeks. The trial was designed as a pilot study to estimate treatment effect and variability for a future definitive trial.

Early Remote Rehabilitation to Improve Health of the Elderly After Cardiac Surgery. (RECARD Trial)

An increasing number of older patients undergo heart surgery. Despite seemingly successful outcomes, these vulnerable patients may face prolonged decreased functional capacity, reduced self-efficacy, and impaired quality of life after discharge. Early engagement in physical activity and education plays a key role in health and well-being after heart surgery The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of an app-based exercise program and weekly calls from a physiotherapist in the early stages after open heart surgery. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving standard care or an intervention group, which will be introduced to an individually tailored exercise program as an addition to standard care. Follow-up is planned with an out-patient visit six weeks after discharge and a telephone interview six months post-surgery. All participants will undergo assessments at enrollment and during follow-up. Physical performance will be evaluated through physical tests. General well-being, quality of life, self-reported physical activity, and cost-effectiveness of the intervention will be assessed through questionnaires. Muscle health will be examined through blood sampling, CT scans, and muscle biopsies. The primary endpoint is the 30-second Chair Stand Test serving as a measurement of physical function.

The Heart Health After Cardiac Treatment Study

The goal of this study is to determine whether participation in a tailored cardiac rehabilitation program delivered in a safety net setting, compared to usual care referral to an outside cardiac rehabilitation program, results in greater participation in cardiac rehabilitation.

Virtual Reality-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

This randomized controlled study will evaluate whether adding immersive virtual reality (VR) to cardiac rehabilitation can improve participation in rehabilitation and other health outcomes in patients who have recently undergone cardiac surgery. Cardiac rehabilitation is recommended after cardiac surgery to support recovery, improve physical function and quality of life, and reduce complications related to physical inactivity. However, some patients have difficulty completing the recommended rehabilitation program. Immersive VR may make exercise sessions more engaging and may help patients participate more consistently in their rehabilitation. The study will enroll 46 adult patients who have undergone cardiac surgery within the previous 30 days, are clinically stable, and have an indication for cardiac rehabilitation. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either an immersive VR group or a standard cardiac rehabilitation group. Participants in both groups will complete the same supervised cardiac rehabilitation program, consisting of eight moderate-intensity exercise sessions performed on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Each session will last approximately 30 minutes and will be performed twice a week for four weeks. Participants assigned to the VR group will perform their rehabilitation sessions while wearing an immersive VR headset. The headset will provide natural audiovisual environments designed to create an immersive experience during exercise. A trained healthcare professional will assist participants with the technology and supervise them throughout each session. Participants will be able to stop the VR experience at any time if needed. Participants assigned to the control group will complete the same rehabilitation program without VR. The primary outcome of the study is adherence to cardiac rehabilitation, measured as the percentage of scheduled rehabilitation sessions completed. Secondary outcomes will assess changes from baseline to the end of the rehabilitation program in functional capacity using the 6-minute walk test, perceived exertion using the Borg scale, angina severity, cardiopulmonary exercise test parameters, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and health-related quality of life using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. In the VR group, symptoms potentially related to VR exposure, known as cybersickness, will be assessed after each session using the Virtual Reality Symptom Questionnaire. At the end of the program, participants in the VR group will also be invited to take part in a semi-structured interview about their experience with virtual reality. The study aims to determine whether immersive VR can be a useful approach to support participation in cardiac rehabilitation after cardiac surgery while also evaluating its effects on physical, clinical, and patient-reported outcomes.

Hot Water Immersion After Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of death in developed countries, including Sweden. Standard treatment for patients after MI includes exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation which contributes to improved cardiovascular function and reduces the risk of hospital readmissions, new cardiovascular events and mortality. Thermotherapy may also have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease by a reduction in inflammatory status and improved metabolism and vascular function. Given the well-documented effects of exercise training on cardiac rehabilitation and recent evidence that thermotherapy may improve cardiovascular function, we wish to investigate the effect of exercise combined with hot water immersion (HWI) in cardiac rehabilitation post-MI. This is a single-centre, randomized controlled clinical trial in patients with recent MI. Our aim is to investigate whether exercise training combined with HWI improves inflammatory and metabolic status, cardiovascular function as well as psychological well-being, compared with exercise training alone. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to an 8 week intervention with exercise training 2 times per week followed by 15 minutes of hot water immersion, or to a control group with exercise training alone. The primary endpoint is changes in the inflammatory marker interleukin (IL-) 6 between groups at 8 weeks. Secondary endpoints include other biomarkers of inflammation, metabolism, effects on cardiovascular function and psychological benefits. Secondary prevention after MI has improved during the last decades but readmissions and death following acute MI remain large health challenges. If HWI in addition to standard cardiac rehabilitation can lower inflammation more than standard therapy alone, and improve metabolic, cardiovascular and psychological status, it could be a cost-effective and safe complementary strategy for secondary prevention after MI, particularly for those with limited exercise capability.

Home-based Mobile Guided Exercise-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Among Patients Undergoing TAVR

A two-parallel, evaluator-blind, single-center, randomized controlled trial was designed to assess the effectiveness of a home-based mobile guided exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation among patients undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Blended Cardiac Rehabilitation Training for Cardiology Residents

This randomized controlled trial compares supervised hospital-based practice with matched online activities as part of a common cardiac rehabilitation curriculum for cardiology residents. Ninety-eight residents will be allocated 1:1 to a blended group or an online control group. Both groups will receive the same seven-module online curriculum and the same total scheduled learning time. The blended group will complete a matched block of in-person practice in the cardiology ward, outpatient clinic, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing laboratory, whereas the control group will complete matched-duration supplementary online activities. The primary outcome is the post-training 25-item cardiac rehabilitation knowledge score adjusted for the baseline score. Key secondary outcomes are Mini-CEX and procedure-specific DOPS scores assessed by assessors blinded to allocation.

Remote ECG Monitoring-Based Phase I Cardiac Rehabilitation After Heart Surgery

This prospective, single-arm study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Phase I cardiac rehabilitation based on remote electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring in patients undergoing heart surgery. Eligible participants will receive a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program consisting of inpatient and home-based rehabilitation while wearing the MEMO Patch for remote ECG monitoring. Clinical outcomes, including functional exercise capacity, exercise performance, muscle strength, physical function, and health-related quality of life, will be evaluated before rehabilitation, before hospital discharge, and after completion of the rehabilitation program.

Eccentric Exercise Rehabilitation After Myocardial Infarction

This clinical trial will evaluate a two-week eccentric exercise program conducted as part of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation in patients after a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Eccentric exercise involves muscle contractions while the muscles are lengthening and may allow the muscles to work at a relatively high load with a lower cardiovascular and metabolic demand than traditional exercise. The main aim of the study is to determine whether eccentric exercise affects blood levels of proteins released or regulated in response to physical activity, including musclin, interleukin-6, and myostatin. The study will also evaluate whether the program improves physical performance and functional capacity. Participants will complete eccentric cycling exercise on a semi-recumbent cycle ergometer during a two-week cardiac rehabilitation program. Blood samples and physical-function measurements will be collected before and after the intervention.

CHD Patient's Concern on Cardiac Rehabilitation

Our study focuses on the question about primary cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients with coronary heart disease are concerned about demonstrating the association between the patients' view of CR and social associated factors. In our study, all participants are invited to choose at least 1 question in 15 questions or provide their questions regarding their doubt about the CR after filling in their personal information. The selectable questions can be categorized into five titles: the content or purpose of CR, the method of CR, the advantage of CR, the adverse effect of CR, and the expenditure of CR.

HeartMate App-Based Remote Monitoring for Cardiovascular Risk Factor Management

This exploratory pilot randomized controlled trial evaluates whether a HeartMate application-based remote patient monitoring (RPM) and digital cardiac rehabilitation program improves cardiovascular, functional, and psychological outcomes in patients with cardiac disease. A total of 200 participants with cardiovascluar disease requiring rehabilitation are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group uses the HeartMate app-based remote cardiac rehabilitation program for 6 weeks, including a daily heart check using smartphone remote photoplethysmography (rPPG), aerobic and resistance exercise, breathing training, and a cognitive-behavioral 'mind' program, with weekly remote coaching. The control group receives usual outpatient care and lifestyle education materials, with the app installed only for rPPG measurement so that digital-biomarker measurement is identical across groups. Clinical assessments (6-minute walk distance, grip strength, blood pressure, blood lipids and metabolic markers), questionnaires (SF-12, PHQ-9, GAD-7, KOSS-24), and digital biomarkers (rPPG-derived heart rate, heart rate variability, respiration, activity) are collected at baseline and at 6 weeks. The primary outcome is the between-group difference in the change in 6-minute walk distance from baseline to 6 weeks. Because this is an exploratory pilot, the results are intended to estimate the effect size and variance for a future definitive randomized controlled trial, and to assess the validity of digital biomarkers as well as the safety, feasibility, and adherence of the program.

Avatar-Based Serious Game for Cardiac Rehabilitation After Heart Attack

This study looks at whether a tablet-based education game helps people recover better after a heart attack. When people leave the hospital after a heart attack, they are usually given advice about their medicines, follow-up visits, cardiac rehabilitation, and warning signs to watch for. Many people find it hard to remember all of this information later at home. In this study, adults who were treated in hospital for a heart attack were divided by chance into two groups. One group received the usual face-to-face education before going home. The other group used an interactive avatar-based education game on a tablet, in which a guide character walks the patient through the same topics. The game could also be used at home for one month after discharge. The researchers measured how much patients knew about their heart disease, their quality of life, whether they attended cardiac rehabilitation, and whether they were readmitted to hospital. These were checked before discharge and again at 1, 3, and 6 months. The goal is to learn whether the avatar-based game helps patients understand and manage their condition better than usual education.

Early Case Management on Recovery From a Cardiac Event in Women

Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an exercise-based lifestyle program for patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction, systolic heart failure, percutaneous revascularization or cardiac surgery. CR plays a key role in secondary prevention, which is the prevention of subsequent cardiac events. CR has been shown to reduce both cardiovascular mortality and one year hospital readmissions as well as improve quality of life, exercise capacity, and physical function. Although the benefits have been clearly established for cardiac patients, women are much less likely to attend CR than men. Based upon our own preliminary data (and the medical literature), attendance at CR is determined by factors that vary in their importance between men and women. These findings demonstrate that older age and poor social support are particular barriers to CR participation in women. This information can guide efforts to increase CR participation and adherence in women, areas which have received little study. Case management (CM) has been effective at reducing cardiovascular risk and reducing hospitalizations amongst cardiac patients. Further, CM has been effective at promoting attendance in a variety of health related programs (for example, diabetes treatment or cocaine dependence treatment). The primary aim in this randomized controlled trial is to examine the efficacy of early CM to promote participation and adherence in CR. The CM model can identify individualized determinants of health and social needs to identify potential barriers which may hinder CR enrollment. Additionally, the case manager will conduct a home visit and provide individual counseling to address lifestyle changes including physical activity. Thus, a component of CR and physical activity can be still be delivered for those unable to attend CR. The concept of CM to improve CR participation and adherence has not been specifically tested in women, a vulnerable patient population. This intervention, therefore, has the potential to increase utilization of CR and significantly improve health outcomes in female cardiac patients.

Modified Application of Cardiac Rehabilitation for Older Adults

Modified Application of Cardiac Rehabilitation for Older Adults (MACRO) responds to a critical underuse of cardiac rehabilitation in older adults with a coaching model that addresses issues related to aging as a means to better facilitate cardiac rehabilitation (CR). MACRO is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which older adults with a CVD event are randomized between a MACRO intervention (MACRO-I) versus usual care. The MACRO-I is designed to facilitate CR as a means to augment functional recovery.

eCardiacRehab - a Hybrid Patient-Centered eHealth Programme

The overall aim of eCardiacRehab trial is to meet rehabilitation needs of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) regardless of their access to traditional place-based rehabilitation by developing and evaluating the efficacy and cost effectiveness of an interdisciplinary and comprehensive home-based hybrid programme. eCardiacRehab address patient- and system level challenges to increase access to cardiac rehabilitation (CR). We give particular attention to older patients, women, and those with comorbidities or mental health challenges. The vision of the hybrid home-based eCardiacRehab programme is to make CR available to all. eCardiacRehab is a prospective, multicentre randomized open-label blinded end point evaluation (PROBE) trial. The primary endpoint is a hierarchical composite endpoint using a win-ratio framework combining cardiovascular (CV) death, unplanned contacts to the Emergency Department (ED) for observation or admission (\>24 hours) for CV disease, and quality of life. Inclusion criteria are adult Scandinavian speaking patients (≥ 18 years) who have a Norwegian national identification number, with CAD treated with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), are living at home, and have internet available to them and providing signed informed consent. Exclusion criteria are patients with severe aortic stenosis, severe arrhythmias, expected lifetime less than one year as determined by study personnel, otherwise clinically unstable, not fully revascularized, awaits PCI or coronary artery bypass graft operation (CABG) or inability to comply with the study protocol due to any physical disability, somatic disease, cognitive impairment or mental health challenges as determined by study personnel.