Isometric exercise training in HFpEF patients - Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Isometric exercise training in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a randomised controlled study.
IRAS ID
312924
Contact name
Rajan Sharma
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Isometric exercise training (IET) is a popular, time-sparing alternative to internationally recommended exercise guidelines for improving cardiovascular health. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and is defined as symptoms of heart failure in a patient with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (normal heart contractility). It is characterised by a stiff left ventricle, decreased compliance and impaired relaxation, leading to increased filling pressures. The utility, safety and physiological adaptations of resistance exercise training in patients with chronic heart failure has previously been a research focus. It was found that the application of specific resistance exercise induces significant musculoskeletal adaptations, which contribute to the treatment of muscle weakness and specific heart muscle disease, which occurs in the majority of heart failure patients. Dynamic resistance training and IET have been shown to be safe and effective alternative training modes to aerobic exercise in patients with heart failure and hypertension, respectively.
Recently, isometric exercise was shown to significantly improve the relaxation of the heart in patients with hypertension; however, it is currently unknown if such responses would occur in patients with HFpEF, which may significantly improve patient outcome. Therefore, the aim of the current investigation is to perform an IET programme in selected patients with HFpEF who are treated with optimal medical therapy. Patients who are under investigation by the heart failure team at St Georges' Cardiology department will be approached. Each patient who meets the inclusion criteria will be further screened to confirm the classification of HFpEF. Patients will be randomised to either a 4-week programme of IET or control group. Comprehensive physiological assessment will be recorded pre and post the 4-week intervention and control period at St George's Hospital to assess the acute and chronic response.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/EE/0104
Date of REC Opinion
2 Aug 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion