Respiratory Strength Training in Heart Transplant Recipients (NCT06190171) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Respiratory Strength Training in Heart Transplant Recipients
United States90 participantsStarted 2024-05-17
Plain-language summary
This research study is investigating whether completing breathing exercises before surgery helps heart transplant patients recover after surgery. Previous studies have shown that breathing exercises can improve breathing, cough, and swallow function in patients with other diseases/conditions. The current study will investigate the impact of a preoperative respiratory muscle strength training program on breathing and cough function, swallow function, patient-reported eating and swallowing fatigue, and health outcomes in individuals undergoing heart transplantation.
Participants will:
* undergo tests of breathing, cough, and swallow function
* complete questionnaires about the treatment, their swallow function
* complete breathing exercises daily
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 90 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
. Adult (18-90 years old)
. Not pregnant
. Undergoing evaluation or actively waitlisted for heart transplantation at VUMC with a waitlist status of 1-6
. Have a computer, tablet or electronic device with a stable internet connection for telehealth sessions (outpatient)
. Be willing to undergo testing procedures and complete the exercise training program.
Exclusion criteria
. Individual \<18 years old, \>90 years old
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
1
Change in maximum expiratory pressure between pre and post respiratory strength training
Timeframe: baseline, post-intervention/pre-surgery (an average of 2-6 weeks after baseline)
2
Change in maximum inspiratory pressure between pre and post respiratory strength training
Timeframe: baseline, post-intervention/pre-surgery (an average of 2-6 weeks after baseline)