High-intensity interval Nordic walking for patients with coronary artery disease

Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of High-intensity Interval Nordic Walking in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial (HIIT-NoW)

Not applicable Interventional Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation · NCT05434117

This study tests if high-intensity interval Nordic walking can help people with coronary artery disease feel better and improve their fitness compared to regular rehab exercises.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOttawa Heart Institute Research Corporation Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ottawa, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05434117 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the feasibility of high-intensity interval Nordic walking as an exercise intervention for patients with coronary artery disease who have undergone coronary revascularization. It aims to compare the effects of this innovative exercise approach against standard cardiovascular rehabilitation. Participants will engage in structured exercise sessions designed to improve their physical and mental health outcomes. The study will assess improvements in exercise capacity, quality of life, and depression symptoms over a 10-week period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 40 and older with coronary artery disease who have undergone PCI or CABG and can participate in exercise sessions.

Not a fit: Patients currently enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program or those with unstable angina or severe heart conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery and overall well-being for patients with coronary artery disease.

How similar studies have performed: While traditional exercise rehabilitation has shown success, the specific use of high-intensity interval Nordic walking in this context is a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients with coronary artery disease treated with PCI or CABG;
* willing to come onsite for exercise sessions;
* able to perform a cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET); and,
* at least 40 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

* currently participating in a CR program;
* unstable angina or established diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe mitral or aortic stenosis, or hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy; or,
* unable to return for 10-week follow-up visit.

Where this trial is running

Ottawa, Ontario

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 Coronary Artery DiseaseHigh-intensity interval trainingNordic walking
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.