CompletedNot Applicable

Randomized Trial of Nordic Walking vs. Standard Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients With Heart Failure

Canada77 participantsStarted 2014-03

Plain-language summary

The main purpose of our project is to see if a 12-week program of Nordic walking is better than standard exercise therapy for increasing exercise capacity (measured by how far people can walk in 6 minutes) and increasing quality of life (measured by having people fill out two questionnaires). We will also see if Nordic walking: improves heart performance (measured by heart ultrasound); improves how active people are (measured by an activity monitor); increases aerobic fitness (measured by a treadmill test); improves body composition (measured by waist size); and reduces hormone levels in the blood.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patient has a confirmed diagnosis of HF based on a HF admission and/or a clear diagnosis of HF and/or reduced ejection fraction (≤45% measured by echocardiography within the last six months); * Patient is referred to cardiac rehabilitation program; * Patient is willing to attend an onsite cardiac rehabilitation program twice weekly for 12 weeks; * In the opinion of the referring physician, the patient is medically stable, and able to participate in an exercise program * Patient is able, in the opinion of the qualified investigator, to comprehend and participate in the exercise intervention; * Patient is 18 years of age or older; * Patient is willing to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient is unable to read and understand English or French * Patient intends to begin cardiac rehabilitation within the next 6 weeks * Patient is unwilling or unable to return for follow-up visits at 12 and 26 weeks; * Patient is currently using Nordic Walking poles.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Changes in Exercise Capacity Measured by 6 Minute Walk Test

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks.

Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ)

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02061319

SponsorOttawa Heart Institute Research Corporation

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2016-12-31

Results submitted2026-05-25

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Heart Failure trials