Effects of resistance training on muscle loss in older heart failure patients

Effects of Resistance Training on Sarcopenia in Older Patients With Chronic Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City · NCT06785168

This study tests if an eight-week strength training program can help older heart failure patients keep their muscles strong and improve their physical abilities.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment146 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (other)
Locations2 sites (Ho Chi Minh City and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06785168 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of an eight-week machine-based resistance training program on managing sarcopenia in older outpatients with chronic heart failure. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the resistance training group or a usual care group. Key outcomes will be assessed after the intervention, including handgrip strength, gait speed, and performance on the five-times sit-to-stand test to measure improvements in muscle strength and physical performance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 60 and older diagnosed with sarcopenia and chronic heart failure.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable heart conditions or contraindications for exercise testing will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance muscle strength and physical function in older patients with heart failure, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with resistance training in similar populations, suggesting a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged ≥ 60 years old
* Meet the diagnostic criteria of 2019 AWGS2 sarcopenia, can be diagnosed once meeting (1) + (2) or (1) + (3) or (1) + (2) + (3): (1) Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM): dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (male \<7.0 kg/m², female \<5.7 kg/m²). (2) Muscle strength: handgrip strength (male \<28.0 kg, female \<18.0 kg). (3) Physical performance: 6-meter walking speed \<1.0 m/s.
* Meet the diagnostic criteria of heart failure following ESC 2021.
* Clearly understand the content and purpose of the study and sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria: There are contraindications for Exercise Testing in patients with stable heart failure according to ACSM 2022:

* Early stage after acute coronary syndrome (within the first 2 days)
* Unstable coronary artery disease
* Decompensated heart failure
* Acute venous thrombosis or recent arterial embolism (pulmonary or systemic)
* Acute myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis
* Aortic dissection of the valve
* Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis
* Acute systemic disease or fever
* Uncontrolled or life-threatening atrial or ventricular arrhythmias (including new-onset atrial fibrillation or flutter)
* Uncontrolled tachycardia (resting heart rate \> 120 beats per minute)
* Third-degree AV block
* Uncontrolled diabetes
* Symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (\> 20 mmHg)
* Gradually increasing fatigue during exercise or dyspnea at rest or with exertion within the past 3-5 days
* Significant myocardial ischemia at low workloads \< 2 METs or 50W
* Relative contraindications according to ACSM 2022:
* Weight gain ≥ 1.8 kg in the past 1-3 days
* Simultaneous use of continuous or intermittent Dobutamine
* Decrease in blood pressure with exercise
* NYHA IV heart failure
* Complex ventricular arrhythmias at rest or with exertion
* Resting heart rate ≥ 100 bpm when lying down
* Comorbidities that limit exercise
* Severe obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
* Have participated in a cardiovascular rehabilitation program within the last 6 months
* Do not agree to participate in the study

Where this trial is running

Ho Chi Minh City 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Sarcopenia in Elderly, Chronic Heart Failure, sarcopenia, chronic heart failure, machine-based resistance training, age over 60, outpatient

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.