Comparing the effects of high intensity and moderate intensity exercise on heart rate variability after a heart attack

Acute Effects of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) vs. Moderate Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) on Heart Rate Variability Parameters in Patients After Myocardial Infarction

NA · University Medical Centre Ljubljana · NCT06437145

This study is testing whether high intensity exercise or moderate exercise helps improve heart health by looking at heart rate changes in people who have had a heart attack.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Medical Centre Ljubljana (other)
Locations1 site (Ljubljana)
Trial IDNCT06437145 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the acute effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) on heart rate variability (HRV) in patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction. Participants will engage in both types of exercise in a randomized order, with a minimum 48-hour break between sessions. Heart rate data will be collected through high-resolution ECG recordings before and immediately after each exercise session to assess changes in HRV. The goal is to better understand how different exercise intensities impact heart health post-heart attack.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals who have had a myocardial infarction within the last 120 days and are in sinus rhythm.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for exercise training, uncontrolled dysrhythmias, advanced heart failure, cognitive impairment, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into optimal exercise regimens that enhance heart recovery and improve HRV in post-myocardial infarction patients.

How similar studies have performed: While many studies have shown chronic benefits of exercise on HRV, this investigation into the acute effects of different exercise intensities is relatively novel and less explored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* myocardial infarction in last 120 days
* sinus rhythm

Exclusion Criteria:

* contraindications for exercise training
* uncontrolled dysrhythmias
* Heart Failure NYHA IV stage
* cognitive impairment
* pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Ljubljana

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Myocardial Infarction, exercise training, high intensity interval training, moderate intensity continuous training, heart rate variability, myocardial infarction

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.