Lymphatic exercise for managing heart failure symptoms
Lymphatic System Stimulation and Fluid Overload Symptoms in Patients With Heart Failure
This study tests if doing lymphatic exercises for four weeks can help people with heart failure feel better and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Camden, New Jersey) |
| Trial ID | NCT05834400 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of lymphatic exercise training on patients with heart failure. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a group that performs lymphatic exercises for four weeks or a control group that will only monitor their health metrics. The study will assess changes in fluid overload symptoms, thoracic fluid content, and overall quality of life. By comparing the two groups, researchers hope to gather preliminary data on the potential benefits of lymphatic exercises in managing heart failure.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with heart failure classified as NYHA functional class II, III, or IV.
Not a fit: Patients with severe liver or kidney insufficiency, terminal conditions, or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly alleviate fluid overload symptoms and improve the quality of life for heart failure patients.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of heart failure, previous studies on lymphatic exercise in other conditions have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of HF with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II, III, or IV * Willing and able to complete the home-based TOLF program upon discharge from the hospital to home Exclusion Criteria: * Severe liver or kidney insufficiency or malignant tumors * A terminal condition with a life expectancy of \< 6 months * Received or waiting for heart transplantation * Pregnancy * Cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia) * Severe psychiatric condition (psychotic disorder, severe depression, suicidal intent) * Inability to converse in English
Where this trial is running
Camden, New Jersey
- Cooper University Health Care (Cooper) — Camden, New Jersey, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rida Gharzeddine, PhD — Rutgers, The State University of New Jersery
- Study coordinator: Rida Gharzeddine, PhD
- Email: rg1041@rutgers.edu
- Phone: 2016570912
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.