Exercise program for older adults with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction
PRIME HRrEF: Novel Exercise for Older Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction
A tailored exercise program aims to help older adults with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction boost fitness and make daily activities easier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167805 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project offers a tailored exercise program designed for older people with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, emphasizing safe aerobic and strength work adapted to common age-related limits. Researchers will measure cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak), muscle strength and mass, symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue, and everyday function before and after the program. The approach is built to address muscle blood flow and metabolic problems that often limit exercise in older patients. Sessions are likely to be supervised at the University of Virginia or affiliated clinics, with regular follow-up to track improvements.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 or older with a diagnosis of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction who are medically stable and able to participate in supervised exercise.
Not a fit: People with unstable or decompensated heart failure, serious uncontrolled medical conditions, or who cannot safely perform exercise are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve fitness, reduce symptoms, and help older adults with heart failure do daily tasks more easily.
How similar studies have performed: Exercise rehabilitation has helped many people with heart failure in prior trials—mostly in younger groups—while tailored programs specifically for very old patients remain less studied.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Jason David — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Allen, Jason David
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.