Robotic exercise training for patients with heart failure

Robotic-assisted Exercise Training in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

Not applicable Interventional German Heart Institute · NCT05278429

This study is testing whether a robotic exosuit can help people with advanced heart failure improve their movement and activity levels compared to regular exercise.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorGerman Heart Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Berlin)
Trial IDNCT05278429 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of a robotic exosuit, known as Myosuit, to assist patients with advanced chronic heart failure in improving their mobility and physical activity. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving exosuit-supported exercise training and the other following a non-supported protocol, with training sessions occurring three times a week for eight weeks. The study aims to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of this intervention through various functional and mobility tests, as well as questionnaires to evaluate the transfer of skills to daily life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 17 years old with chronic end-stage systolic heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 45% or less.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to cardiopulmonary exercise or those with significant obesity or mobility limitations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the mobility and quality of life for patients suffering from heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous feasibility trials have shown promise for robotic-assisted training in similar patient populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* \>17 years old
* written informed consent
* chronic end-stage systolic heart failure without ventricular assist device, LVEF ≤ 45%
* clinically stable for at least 6 weeks
* ability to mobilize into standing and walking of at least 10 meters with or without rollator
* ability to get up from a chair without rotating the upper body \>45° sagittally

Exclusion Criteria:

* addictions or other illnesses that impact the ability to understand the nature, scope and
* consequences of the trial
* lack of knowledge of German to fully understand study information
* pregnancy, pre-menopausal women
* contraindications of cardiopulmonary exercising
* BMI \> 35 kg/m², waist size \> 135 cm.
* Height \<150 cm, \>195 cm
* Weight\<45 kg, \>110 kg
* Functional Reach Test \<15,24 cm
* Flexion contracture in the knee/hip joint \>10°
* Chronic colonization or active infection with multi-resistant pathogens

Where this trial is running

Berlin

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 Failure, SystolicExercise trainingRobotic training
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.