Neuromuscular Versus Resistance Training on Functional Capacity in Patients With Heart Failure.

NCT07519473 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: REC/RCR & AHS/25/0321
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of neuromuscular training and resistance training on functional capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lower limb performance in patients with chronic heart failure. A total of 40 participants will be randomly assigned into two groups in a single-blinded design. Both groups will undergo a 10-week supervised exercise program. Outcomes will be assessed using VO₂ peak, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and quality of life measures. The study aims to determine the more effective rehabilitation approach for improving clinical outcomes in heart failure patients.

Conditions

Heart Failure

Keywords

Neuromuscular Training ,Resistance Training ,Cardiac Rehabilitation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Functional Capacity

  Functional capacity will be assessed using the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), which measures the distance a participant can walk on a flat surface in 6 minutes. It is a validated and reliable measure used in cardiac rehabilitation to evaluate exercise tolerance and daily functional ability in patients with heart failure.

  Baseline and after 10 weeks of intervention

• Cardiorespiratory Fitness (VO₂ Peak)

  Cardiorespiratory fitness will be assessed using the Chester Step Test, which estimates VO₂ peak based on heart rate response during graded stepping exercise. VO₂ peak is a key indicator of aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health in patients with heart failure.

  Baseline and after 10 weeks of intervention

• Lower Limb Performance

  Lower limb performance will be assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), which includes balance tests, gait speed, and chair stand tests. It is a validated tool for assessing lower extremity function in clinical populations.

  Baseline and after 10 weeks of intervention

Study Arms (2)

Resistance Training Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will undergo a supervised resistance training program targeting major upper and lower limb muscle groups. Training will be performed at moderate intensity (50-70% of one-repetition maximum) using resistance bands, machines, and bodyweight exercises. Each session will also include 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, along with warm-up and cool-down, conducted twice weekly for 10 weeks.

Behavioral: Resistance Training

Neuromuscular Training Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will undergo a supervised neuromuscular training program focusing on balance, coordination, proprioception, postural control, and motor control exercises. Training will include dynamic balance activities, limb coordination tasks, and exercises using unstable surfaces. Each session will also include 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, along with warm-up and cool-down, conducted twice weekly for 10 weeks.

Behavioral: Neuromuscular Training

Interventions

Resistance Training BEHAVIORAL

A supervised resistance training program targeting major muscle groups using resistance bands, machines, and bodyweight exercises. Training intensity will be set at 50-70% of one-repetition maximum and progressed based on patient tolerance. Each session will include warm-up, 20 minutes of resistance exercises, 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and cool-down. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly for 10 weeks.

Also known as: Strength Training; Exercise Therapy

Resistance Training Group

Neuromuscular Training BEHAVIORAL

A supervised neuromuscular training program focusing on balance, coordination, proprioception, and postural control. Exercises will include dynamic balance tasks, limb coordination, and training on unstable surfaces. Each session will include warm-up, 20 minutes of neuromuscular exercises, 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and cool-down. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly for 10 weeks.

Also known as: Balance Training; Proprioceptive Training; Motor Control Training

Neuromuscular Training Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 40 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Male and female patients aged 40-60 years
• Diagnosed with chronic heart failure ≥ 1 year
• Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), EF ≤ 40%
• NYHA Class II-III
• Low to moderate exercise risk (based on Chester Step Test)
• On stable pharmacological treatment for ≥ 6 weeks
• Able to understand and follow exercise instructions

You may not qualify if:

• Absolute contraindications to exercise (e.g., recent MI, unstable angina, uncontrolled arrhythmias, severe aortic stenosis, decompensated HF)
• Abnormal CPET findings (severe arrhythmias, ischemia, ST depression)
• Abnormal blood pressure response during exercise
• Exercise-induced angina or thoracic pain
• Musculoskeletal, neurological, or cognitive impairments limiting exercise participation

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

community based Cardiac Rehab Unit, Cardiac Centers, and Tertiary Care Hospitals

Lahore, Punjab Province, 40100, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Heart Failure

Interventions

Resistance Training; Exercise Therapy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Heart Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Physical Conditioning, Human; Exercise; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Study Officials

• Arjumand Bano, MSPT

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Muhammad Iqbal Tariq, Phd*

CONTACT

03338236752; iqbal.tariq@riphah.edu.pk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: This is a single-blinded study in which the outcome assessor will be blinded to group allocation to minimize assessment bias. Participants and therapists will not be blinded due to the nature of the interventions.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned into two parallel groups: one receiving resistance training and the other receiving neuromuscular training. Both groups will undergo supervised exercise sessions along with standard aerobic training for 10 weeks, and outcomes will be compared between groups.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 2, 2026
• First Posted: April 9, 2026
• Study Start: April 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 28, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 29, 2026
• Last Updated: April 9, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)