Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Resistance Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction by Vascular Occlusion on Myocardial Function in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

This study explores a new way to exercise for people with heart failure, specifically those with a weaker heart pump. Exercise is vital for heart health, but some people can't manage tough workouts. This research investigates 'blood flow restriction training' (BFRT), where a cuff is used to reduce blood flow to muscles during light exercise. We know BFRT is safe and can improve muscle strength. This study wants to find out if combining BFRT with regular light resistance exercise helps the heart work better and makes muscles stronger, even more than just light resistance exercise on its own. Researchers will use special scans to look at how the heart's pumping and relaxing abilities change.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nīmes

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2027

Heart Failure Ventricular Function, Left

What is this study about?

If you have heart failure, regular exercise is an important part of staying as healthy as possible. While aerobic exercise (like walking or cycling) is often talked about, strength training (resistance exercise) is also very beneficial. It helps build muscle and can even improve how your heart works, making everyday activities easier. However, to get these benefits, traditional strength training often needs to be quite intense, which can be too much for some people, especially those with more severe heart failure.

This study is looking at a technique called 'blood flow restriction training' (BFRT) as a gentler alternative. With BFRT, a special cuff, similar to one used to measure blood pressure, is placed on your arm or leg during exercise. This cuff reduces the blood flow to the muscles, making light exercise feel like a much harder workout. The idea is that you can get the benefits of strong exercise without having to lift heavy weights, which might be easier and safer for some people with heart conditions.

Researchers want to compare BFRT combined with light resistance exercise to light resistance exercise alone. They particularly want to see if BFRT can lead to better improvements in how the heart muscle functions. They will use advanced heart scans to get a very detailed look at any changes in your heart's pumping and relaxing ability. Previous studies have shown that BFRT is safe for people with heart failure and can improve muscle strength, so this study is designed to explore its potential benefits for heart function even further.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new exercise method (blood flow restriction training) for people with weaker hearts.
It aims to see if this method improves heart function and muscle strength more than regular light exercise.
The training involves using a cuff to reduce blood flow during light exercise.
It's designed for people who find traditional intense workouts too difficult.
Previous studies suggest this training is safe and can improve muscle strength.
Detailed heart scans will be used to measure any changes.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would typically have a diagnosis of heart failure where your heart's main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) isn't squeezing as strongly as it should (this is often reported as an LVEF of 50% or less). You should also be someone who your doctor thinks would benefit from a heart rehabilitation program, and importantly, you shouldn't have any medical reasons that would make exercise unsafe for you.

There are also some important reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you're already taking part in another similar research study, or if you've recently been in one, you likely wouldn't be eligible. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals cannot participate, and neither can anyone who has certain blood vessel problems like blocked arteries in the legs or recent blood clots in the veins. Also, if you have very high blood pressure that isn't under control, or specific heart valve problems, you might not be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have heart failure where your heart's pumping strength is reduced (LVEF of 50% or less)?
Are you able to exercise safely, according to your doctor?
Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
Are you currently not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you not have certain blood vessel problems (like blocked leg arteries or recent blood clots)?
Do you not have very high blood pressure that isn't under control?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Information about what taking part involves is not fully detailed in the provided text. However, it's typical for such studies to involve regular exercise sessions under supervision. You would likely have initial assessments, including heart scans and possibly tests to measure your muscle strength and exercise ability, before starting any training. The exercise sessions would then take place regularly over a period of weeks or months, likely at a hospital or rehabilitation center. Throughout the study, you'd have follow-up appointments and repeat assessments to see how your heart and muscles are responding to the exercise program. The total duration of the study would be explained by the research team.

Potential risks and benefits

The main potential benefit of joining this study is that you might improve your heart and muscle health. The study hopes that combining blood flow restriction training with light exercise could be more effective than light exercise alone, especially if you find traditional intense workouts difficult. While blood flow restriction training has been shown to be safe for people with heart failure, there are always some potential risks with any exercise program, such as muscle soreness or fatigue. The research team will monitor you closely during exercise to ensure your safety. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Nîmes University Hospital
Verified postcode
Nîmes, France

Common questions

What is 'heart failure with reduced ejection fraction'?

It means your heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle) isn't pumping blood out to your body as strongly as it should.

What is blood flow restriction training?

It's a type of exercise where a special cuff is used to gently reduce blood flow to your arms or legs during light exercise, making the workout more effective.

Is this type of training safe?

Studies have shown that blood flow restriction training is generally safe for people with heart failure when done correctly and under supervision.

Why is exercise important for heart failure?

Exercise helps strengthen your heart and muscles, which can make everyday activities easier and improve your overall quality of life.

Will I have to do very heavy lifting?

No, this study focuses on lighter resistance exercise, especially with the addition of blood flow restriction, making it suitable for those who can't do intense workouts.

How to find out more

Clarisse BELVISI

clarisse.belvisi@chu-nimes.fr +33466683459 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.