Exercise program to improve self-care in heart failure patients

Impact of a Physical Exercise Program on the Self-care Capacity of People Hospitalized for Heart Failure

Not applicable Interventional Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António · NCT06528561

This study tests if a special exercise program that includes both aerobic and strength training can help heart failure patients take better care of themselves while they're in the hospital.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment176 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António Academic / other
Locations1 site (Porto)
Trial IDNCT06528561 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a self-care program that combines physical exercise with aerobic and muscular strength training for patients hospitalized due to decompensated heart failure. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the self-care program or a control group receiving only aerobic exercise. The goal is to determine if the integrated approach enhances self-care capacity and functional abilities during the clinical stabilization phase. Various assessment tools will measure quality of life and functional capacity throughout the hospital stay.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with a clinical diagnosis of decompensated heart failure who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with severe physical limitations, uncontrolled arrhythmias, or other serious health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the self-care abilities and overall quality of life for heart failure patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions in heart failure management, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants: Clinical diagnosis of decompensated HF, regardless of etiology or ventricular function;
* Participants: Be over 18 years old;
* Participants: Be able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria (participants):

* Osteoarticular pathology that causes physical limitations that prevent the performance of physical exercise;
* Existence of intravenous inotropic medication;
* Uncontrolled auricular or ventricular arrhythmias;
* Chest pain in the last 8 hours;
* Heart rate greater than 120;
* Dyspnea at rest;
* Uncontrolled blood pressure - Systolic blood pressure greater than 180mmHg or diastolic blood pressure greater than 110mmHg;
* 2nd or 3rd degree atrioventricular block;
* Oxygen need at a rate greater than 3L/min;
* Glycemic decompensation in the last 12 hours.

Where this trial is running

Porto

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 Failureself-careheart failurerehabilitation nursingexercise
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.