Effects of exercise on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in veterans

Efficacy of Exercise Training in Patients With HFpEF

Not applicable Interventional VA Office of Research and Development · NCT04506606

This study is testing if regular exercise can help veterans with heart failure feel better and improve their ability to exercise by looking at how certain nerves in their muscles affect fatigue.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Trial IDNCT04506606 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research focuses on veterans suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) to understand the mechanisms behind their exercise intolerance and the potential benefits of regular physical activity. The study will investigate the role of specific nerves in limb muscles that may contribute to fatigue and exercise limitations. By employing a chronic exercise intervention and using lumbar intrathecal fentanyl to block certain muscle afferents, the researchers aim to evaluate how these factors affect exercise tolerance and overall quality of life. The findings could provide insights into alternative treatment strategies for improving symptoms in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Not a fit: Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved exercise tolerance and quality of life for veterans with HFpEF.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using exercise interventions for heart failure patients, but this specific approach focusing on muscle afferents is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Exclusion Criteria:

* heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Where this trial is running

Salt Lake City, Utah

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 Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.