Comparing exercise prescriptions for heart disease rehabilitation

Improving Outcomes From Cardiac Rehabilitation Among Older Adults Through Exercise Testing and Individualized Exercise Intensity Prescriptions

Phase 2 Interventional Baystate Medical Center · NCT05925634

This study is testing two different exercise plans for older adults with heart disease to see which one helps them get fitter during rehabilitation.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment320 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorBaystate Medical Center Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Springfield, Massachusetts and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05925634 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare two exercise prescriptions for older adults (60 years and older) with heart disease undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a graded exercise test with a target heart rate range or usual care, and their fitness outcomes will be measured through various assessments. The study also seeks to evaluate the impact of psychological feedback on fitness outcomes and long-term clinical results. Conducted at two sites, the trial aims to provide generalizable results that can be applied in clinical practice.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 60 and above who have experienced a recent cardiac event and are eligible for cardiac rehabilitation.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that significantly limit their ability to exercise, such as permanent atrial fibrillation or those with heart transplants, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance cardiac rehabilitation programs, leading to improved fitness and health outcomes for patients with heart disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using targeted exercise prescriptions in cardiac rehabilitation, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are eligible for cardiac rehabilitation by having had a cardiac event such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, percutaneous coronary intervention or angioplasty with stent, coronary artery bypass graft, or heart valve surgery in the past 6 months.
* Lives in, or plans to reside in, the Springfield, MA, or greater Detroit, MI, area for the next year.
* Recruited from a Phase 2 Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at either Baystate Medical Center or Henry Ford Health System.
* Age ≥ 60 years
* Agrees to attend at least 18 sessions of cardiac rehabilitation after randomization
* Agrees to attend cardiac rehabilitation at least twice a week

Exclusion Criteria: These include conditions that alter the physiology and monitoring of resting and exercise heart rate. These also include conditions that might limit an individual's ability to exercise.

* Permanent atrial fibrillation
* Heart transplant
* Left-ventricular assist devices
* Stable angina
* High-risk un-revascularized coronary artery disease
* Symptomatic peripheral artery disease
* Aortic and/or mitral stenosis
* Any condition where exercise testing or training might be unsafe or limited

Where this trial is running

Springfield, Massachusetts and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Myocardial InfarctionCoronary Artery BypassPercutaneous Coronary InterventionHeart FailureCardiac Valve Surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.