Adding resistance exercises to interval cycling to boost fitness and muscle in women with coronary artery disease
Official title: Resistance Training Among Women With Coronary Artery Disease
Run by University Medical Centre Ljubljana · NCT07354399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether swapping some cycling intervals for strength exercises helps women with coronary artery disease improve aerobic fitness and build muscle.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Medical Centre Ljubljana Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ljubljana) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 26, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 2026 |
| Study ends | November 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07354399 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women with documented coronary artery disease who are clinically stable (at least 1 month since myocardial infarction or elective PCI and at least 3 months since cardiac surgery) and eligible for cardiac rehabilitation are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are clinically unstable, have contraindications to resistance training per American Heart Association guidelines, are too early after cardiac events, or are pregnant are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study first uses a crossover feasibility phase to compare immediate heart rate, blood pressure, and perceived exertion during two resistance training tempos (normal-speed vs prolonged-eccentric). After confirming short-term safety and feasibility, participants are randomized into one of three 12-week, parallel groups: aerobic interval training (AIT) alone, AIT plus normal-speed resistance training, or AIT plus slow-speed (prolonged-eccentric) resistance training. Interventions consist of three supervised sessions per week (36 total) with AIT performed on a cycle ergometer guided by heart rate reserve and resistance exercises including squats and pulling movements with weights. Primary outcomes include changes in aerobic capacity and muscle mass, with secondary outcomes of acute hemodynamic responses and perceived exertion.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, combining resistance training with reduced aerobic intervals could improve aerobic capacity and increase muscle mass, potentially enhancing functional ability and quality of life for women with coronary artery disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research supports that appropriately prescribed resistance training is safe in cardiac rehabilitation and improves strength and quality of life, but combining reduced AIT with prolonged-eccentric resistance training in women is relatively untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * documented CAD, * stable clinical status (at least 1 month since myocardial infarction and/or elective percutaneous coronary intervention, at least 3 months since cardiac surgery). Exclusion Criteria: * based on the American Heart Association guidelines for resistance training in patients with CAD, * pregnancy.
Where it's running
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University Medical Centre Ljubljana (Department of Vascular Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine)
Ljubljana, Slovenia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Borut Jug, MD, Ph.D. — University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Study coordinator: Neža Nograšek, MKin
- Email: neza.nograsek@gmail.com
- Phone: +386 (0)40 283 959
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.