Understanding exercise difficulties in heart failure patients

Peripheral mechanisms of exercise intolerance in HFpEF

['FUNDING_R01'] · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · NIH-11124155

This study is looking into why people with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) often struggle to exercise, focusing on how issues with their muscles and breathing can make physical activity feel harder, and it aims to help improve their experience during exercise.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11124155 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the reasons behind exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). It focuses on how abnormalities in peripheral systems, particularly in muscle feedback mechanisms, affect blood flow and breathing during physical activity. By examining the interactions between locomotor and inspiratory muscles, the study aims to identify the underlying causes of exertional symptoms such as breathlessness. The methodology includes testing muscle responses and blood flow during exercise to better understand these mechanisms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Not a fit: Patients with heart failure who do not have preserved ejection fraction or those with other unrelated cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and management strategies for patients suffering from exercise intolerance due to heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that understanding peripheral mechanisms in heart failure can lead to significant insights, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable results.

Where this research is happening

ROCHESTER, 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.