Improving aerobic fitness in older adults with heart conditions
Official title: Optimizing Aerobic Fitness and Functional Response to Exercise in Older Adults
Run by University of Vermont Medical Center · NCT06951620 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a new exercise program that combines high-intensity workouts can help older adults with heart conditions get fitter and feel better compared to a more moderate exercise routine.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 114 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Vermont Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (South Burlington, Vermont) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 15, 2029 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | June 8, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06951620 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are older adults over 65 years old who are ambulatory and enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation following a recent myocardial infarction or percutaneous intervention.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active malignancies or those unable to comply with the prescribed exercise regimen may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance aerobic fitness and physical function in older adults with cardiovascular disease by comparing two exercise regimens: high intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with high intensity resistance training (HIRT) versus moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) combined with moderate intensity resistance training (MIRT). The research focuses on older cardiac patients who often experience limited benefits from traditional rehabilitation methods. By addressing the unique needs of this population, the study seeks to optimize recovery and improve clinical outcomes. The primary goals are to assess the effectiveness of each training approach in increasing VO2peak and physical function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the recovery and quality of life for older adults recovering from cardiac events.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that high intensity interval training can be more effective than moderate intensity training in improving aerobic fitness, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * \>65 years old * ambulatory * enrolled in CR at our center following a recent clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction or percutaneous intervention will be recruited Exclusion Criteria: * have an active malignancy (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer or low grade prostate cancer under surveillance) * unwilling to comply with the exercise prescription they may be assigned to * have a submaximal performance on entry exercise tolerance test, defined as respiratory exchange ratio \<1.0
Where it's running
-
UVMMC Cardiac Rehabilitation
South Burlington, Vermont, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sherrie Khadanga MD, Principal Investigator, MD — University of Vermont Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Patrick Savage, Research Coordinator
- Email: patrick.savage@uvmhealth.org
- Phone: 802-847-4545
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Lower-limb muscle mass and performance in young adults
This study tests how leg muscle mass relates to strength, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, and jump performance in recreationally active young adults, and compares results between men and women.
-
Two-week multi-strain probiotic for female national-team rowers
This project will test whether a 2-week multi-strain probiotic can reduce exercise-related gut symptoms and gut perturbations in high-level female rowers.
-
HIIT versus time-restricted eating to lower type 2 diabetes risk in adolescents and young adults
This project will test whether 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training or time-restricted eating improves heart and metabolic health in adolescents and young adults with overweight or obesity.
-
Daily lemongrass tablets with HIIT to try to improve aerobic fitness in middle-aged men
This trial will test whether taking a daily lemongrass tablet while doing a 6-week supervised high-intensity interval training program can improve aerobic fitness and sexual wellness in men aged 40–60.
-
Physical exercise program to improve aerobic capacity in people with cardiovascular disease
This project will try a 20-session cardiac rehabilitation exercise program to see if it improves aerobic capacity in people aged 35–90 with cardiovascular disease who are patients at Clínica el Rosario.
-
Exercise to Improve Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
This study is testing if a specific exercise program can help head and neck cancer patients recover better after surgery and possibly lower their chances of cancer coming back.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.