Upper versus lower limb exercise capacity and artery stiffness in people with coronary artery disease
Comparison of Upper and Lower Limb Maximal Exercise Capacities, Arterial Stiffness, Muscle Oxygenation and Energy Consumption During Tests in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
This project will test whether maximal upper‑body and lower‑body exercise cause different oxygen use, arterial stiffness, and symptoms in adults with coronary artery disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Gazi University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Çankaya) |
| Trial ID | NCT07148518 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study will compare maximal exercise responses of the upper and lower limbs in adults with angiography‑confirmed coronary artery disease. Clinically stable participants aged 18–85 will perform maximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests for both upper and lower extremities while researchers measure oxygen consumption, arterial stiffness, muscle oxygenation, respiratory muscle fatigue, energy expenditure, perceived dyspnea, and fatigue. People with heart failure, significant valvular disease, prior coronary bypass surgery, or conditions that limit safe exercise testing will be excluded. All testing will be performed in person at the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Unit of Gazi University and involves noninvasive physiological measurements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are clinically stable adults aged 18–85 with coronary artery disease confirmed by conventional or CT angiography who can safely perform maximal exercise tests.
Not a fit: People with heart failure, moderate to severe valvular disease, prior coronary bypass surgery, active contraindications to exercise, or orthopedic/neurologic/pulmonary limitations that prevent testing are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could show whether upper‑limb testing provides a safe alternative to lower‑limb tests and help tailor exercise assessment and rehabilitation for people with CAD.
How similar studies have performed: Most prior work has focused on lower‑limb tests (treadmill or cycle ergometer) and arterial stiffness in CAD, so direct comparison including upper‑limb maximal testing is relatively novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-85 with coronary artery disease diagnosed by conventional or CT angiography * Clinically stable * Willing to participate Exclusion Criteria: * Heart failure diagnosis * Moderate/severe valvular heart disease * Orthopedic, neurological, or pulmonary conditions limiting exercise testing/capacity * Contraindications per ACSM guidelines * Prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Where this trial is running
Ankara, Çankaya
- Gazi University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Unit, Ankara, Çankaya 06490 — Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Özden SEÇKİN, Dr. — Gazi University
- Study coordinator: Meral BOŞNAK GÜÇLÜ, Prof. Dr.
- Email: meralbosnak@gazi.edu.tr
- Phone: +90(312)2162647
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.