Comparing core, aerobic, and combined exercise during Phase II cardiac rehabilitation

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a randomized, three-arm pilot trial that will enroll 60 adults with clinically stable myocardial infarction or heart failure referred to Phase II cardiac rehabilitation. Participants are allocated 1:1:1 to Pilates-based core endurance training, standard aerobic training (treadmill or cycle), or a combined program, with supervised sessions twice weekly for eight weeks (about 60 minutes per session) and continuous safety monitoring. The primary aim is to determine feasibility and safety of incorporating core training into cardiac rehab, and secondary outcomes include cardiorespiratory fitness (peak VO2), six-minute walk distance, core endurance, balance, symptoms, and health-related quality of life. Results will clarify whether adding core training yields measurable functional or symptomatic benefits in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age over 18 years.
* Diagnosed with myocardial infarction or heart failure with stable condition, and referred for participation in Phase II cardiac rehabilitation.
* Able to regularly attend training sessions twice a week.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Underwent cardiac surgery within the past three months.
* Presence of a pacemaker, defibrillator, or left ventricular assist device.
* Cognitive impairment or dementia that prevents understanding or following training instructions.
* Inability to complete cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
* Pregnancy.
* Contraindications to cardiac rehabilitation based on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines, such as unstable angina, uncontrolled severe hypertension (resting systolic BP \>180 mmHg or diastolic BP \>110 mmHg), orthostatic hypotension (drop in BP \>20 mmHg upon position change), severe aortic stenosis, uncontrolled severe arrhythmia, decompensated heart failure, third-degree atrioventricular block, acute pericarditis or myocarditis, aortic dissection, acute pulmonary embolism, or other acute medical conditions such as infection or fever.
* Refusal to participate in the study.

Where it's running

• National Taiwan University Hospital
  Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Hung-Jui Chuang, Dr.
• Email: hjchuang@ntuh.gov.tw
• Phone: +886972653162

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.