In patients with heart failure, diaphragm dysfunction contributes to decreased quality of life while simultaneously increasing morbidity and mortality. Inspiratory muscle weakness is observed in 30-50% of patients, with the severity of weakness increasing as the disease progresses. Patients exhibit reduced exercise capacity, peripheral and respiratory muscle strength, decreased respiratory function, increased dyspnea, fatigue, and worsened quality of life. However, it is unclear how these parameters will change in patients with inspiratory muscle weakness. Therefore, the study aimed to compare functional exercise capacity, pulmonary function, peripheral muscle strength, dyspnea, fatigue, quality of life and physical activity level in heart failure patients with and without inspiratory muscle weakness and healthy controls
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 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:
* HF patients were being aged over18 years
* clinically stable at least four weeks
* having no change in medications over three months
The inclusion criteria for healthy controls were being aged over 18 without a chronic disease
Exclusion Criteria:
* having unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, uncontrolled hypertension, significant valvular disease, history of malignancy or orthopedic, rheumatologic, neurological, or pulmonary diseases
The exclusion criteria for the healthy controls were having any chronic or systemic disease, and having physical limitation
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.