How exercise helps protect the heart from damage

Skeletal Muscle Nrf2: Exercise-Induced Cardiovascular Protection

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-10994635

This study is looking at how exercise can help keep your heart healthy, especially if you have chronic heart failure or have recently had a heart issue, by exploring how certain helpful proteins from your muscles can protect your heart from damage.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (OMAHA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10994635 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how exercise training can help protect the heart, particularly in patients with chronic heart failure and those experiencing acute coronary events. It focuses on the role of antioxidant enzymes produced in skeletal muscle, which may be transferred to other organs to enhance their protective effects. By studying specific mouse models, the researchers aim to understand how these antioxidants can improve heart function and reduce damage from ischemia. The findings could lead to new strategies for using exercise as a therapeutic intervention for heart conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with chronic heart failure or those who have experienced acute coronary ischemia.

Not a fit: Patients with stable heart conditions who do not engage in exercise or have no history of heart failure may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved heart health and recovery strategies for patients with heart failure and those at risk of heart attacks.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using exercise to enhance heart protection, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

OMAHA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.