Breathing exercises for heart transplant patients
Official title: Impact of Preoperative Respiratory Strength Training on Postoperative Health for Heart Transplant Recipients
Run by Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT06190171 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether breathing exercises can help heart transplant patients recover better and improve their ability to eat and swallow after surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 17, 2024 |
| Main results expected | February 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06190171 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-90 who are undergoing evaluation or are actively waitlisted for heart transplantation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are under 18 or over 90 years old, pregnant, or lack access to necessary technology for telehealth sessions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This research investigates the effects of preoperative respiratory muscle strength training on recovery outcomes for heart transplant recipients. Participants will undergo evaluations of their breathing, cough, and swallow functions, and complete daily breathing exercises either actively or as a sham intervention. The study aims to assess improvements in respiratory and swallowing functions, as well as patient-reported outcomes related to eating and swallowing fatigue. Follow-up evaluations will occur before and after surgery to track health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery and quality of life for heart transplant patients by improving their respiratory and swallowing functions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that breathing exercises can improve respiratory and swallowing functions in patients with other conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adult (18-90 years old) 2. Not pregnant 3. Undergoing evaluation or actively waitlisted for heart transplantation at VUMC with a waitlist status of 1-6 4. Have a computer, tablet or electronic device with a stable internet connection for telehealth sessions (outpatient) 5. Be willing to undergo testing procedures and complete the exercise training program. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Individual \<18 years old, \>90 years old 2. Pregnant 3. No access to a computer, tablet or electronic device with a stable internet connection for telehealth sessions 4. Unwilling or unable to undergo testing procedures and complete the exercise training program.
Where it's running
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cara Donohue, Ph.D. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Cara Donohue, Ph.D.
- Email: cara.donohue@vumc.org
- Phone: 615-852-5085
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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.