Elastic band resistance training for heart failure patients with muscle loss

The Effectiveness of an Elastic Band -Based Progressive Resistance Training (EB-PRT) in Improving Sarcopenia and Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Heart Failure: A Pilot Mixed-method Study

NA · The University of Hong Kong · NCT06161402

This study tests if using elastic bands for strength training can help heart failure patients who have lost muscle gain it back and feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment62 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06161402 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of elastic band-progressive resistance training (EB-PRT) on improving sarcopenia in patients with heart failure. It involves a 14-week intervention where participants will engage in resistance training designed to increase skeletal muscle mass, followed by qualitative interviews to assess their experiences. The study aims to provide evidence-based practices to enhance the prognosis of heart failure patients suffering from sarcopenia. A total of 62 participants will be enrolled, and the study will last for 40 weeks, including two post-test evaluations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of heart failure and evidence of sarcopenia.

Not a fit: Patients with acute respiratory or musculoskeletal conditions that prevent them from exercising may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve muscle strength and overall health outcomes for heart failure patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with resistance training in similar populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. age ≥ 50;
2. has a confirmed clinical diagnosis of HF in the electronic health record for at least 6 months to ensure adequate disease exposure;
3. meeting the Asian Working Group of Sarcopenia's criteria2 \[grip strength measured by dynamometer (Male: \<28kg; Female: \<18kg); low physical function (defined by Short Physical Performance Battery score ≤9) and reduced muscle mass by bioimpedance analysis (Inbody Technology 270; Male: appendicular skeletal muscular index (ASMI) \<7.0kg/m2, Female: \<5.7kg/m2)\];
4. has stable HF and do not have any acute respiratory and musculo-skeletal condition which contradict them from practising exercise;
5. no regular resistance training for the previous 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

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Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

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: Heart Failure, Sarcopenia, Resistant Training

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.