Effects of resistance training for patients waiting for heart transplants

Effect of Resistance Training on Functional Capacity, Quality of Life and Cardiac Biomarkers in Patients on the Waiting List for Heart Transplant: a Randomized and Controlled Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Sao Paulo General Hospital · NCT06426173

This study tests if a resistance training program can help heart failure patients waiting for a transplant feel better and improve their overall health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Sao Paulo General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (São Paulo)
Trial IDNCT06426173 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the impact of a resistance training program on hospitalized patients with heart failure who are on the waiting list for heart transplantation. The study aims to assess improvements in functional capacity, quality of life, and cardiac biomarkers over a 12-week period. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a resistance training group or a control group, with assessments conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Additionally, the study will explore the relationship between frailty and responses to resistance training.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients who have been on the heart transplant list for one month or less and are hemodynamically stable.

Not a fit: Patients with arrhythmogenic or restrictive heart failure, uncontrolled arrhythmias, or cognitive and orthopedic issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the functional capacity and quality of life for patients awaiting heart transplants.

How similar studies have performed: While resistance training has shown promise in other populations, this specific approach for heart failure patients awaiting transplantation is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients included in heart transplant list ≤1 month
* hemodynamically stable in the last 48 hours defined as mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥ 60 mmHg and ≤ 120 mmHg and - Heart rate (HR) ≥ 60 bpm and ≤ 120 mmHg.
* dobutamine dose ≤ 10 mcg/kg/min

Exclusion Criteria:

* heart failure of arrhythmogenic and/or restrictive etiology
* presence of uncontrolled acute arrhythmias
* cognitive, orthopedic, or neuromotor changes that prevent functional tests from being carried out

Where this trial is running

São Paulo

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 FailureHeart Transplantheart failureresistance trainingcardiac rehabilitation
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.