Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Blood Flow Restriction Combined With Aerobic or Resistance Exercise in Heart Failure

Turkey (Türkiye)40 participantsStarted 2026-06

Plain-language summary

The aim of this study is to compare the clinical effects of aerobic and resistance exercise modalities combined with blood flow restriction in patients with stable heart failure, and to determine the most effective, feasible, and evidence-based rehabilitation approach. In individuals with heart failure, limited exercise tolerance increases the importance of training strategies that can induce high physiological adaptations with low mechanical loads. In this context, exercise interventions combined with blood flow restriction have attracted increasing attention due to their low-intensity nature and potential clinical benefits. This study is designed as a prospective, parallel-group, randomized controlled clinical trial to be conducted in 40 patients diagnosed with stable heart failure. Participants will be randomized into two groups: a blood flow restriction- combined aerobic exercise group and a blood flow restriction-combined resistance exercise group, both applied under supervision three times per week for eight weeks. All participants will be assessed before and after the intervention in terms of muscle oxygenation, serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, functional capacity, and quality of life. The expected outcome of this study is to obtain comparative data on the clinical effectiveness of blood flow restriction- combined exercise interventions in patients with stable heart failure and to identify which exercise modality provides superior clinical benefits. The findings are anticipated to contribute to the development of short-term, low-cost rehabilitation protocols and to provide evidence-based guidance for clinical practice.

Who can participate

Age range

45 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: * NYHA functional class I-III, * HFrEF and/or HFmrEF with left ventricular ejection fraction \<50%, * functional capacity that does not prevent participation in exercise, and * clinical stability within the last 3 months. Exclusion Criteria: * history of acute coronary syndrome or revascularization within the last 12 months, * uncontrolled hypertension, defined as ≥180/≥110 mmHg or 160-179/100--109 mmHg despite treatment, or uncontrolled arrhythmia, * conditions contraindicating the application of blood flow restriction training, such as significant peripheral arterial disease or atherosclerosis obliterans, * severe orthopedic or neurological limitations that would prevent exercise, * presence of atrial fibrillation or a pacemaker, * severe liver disease, * impaired renal function, defined as eGFR \<30 mL/min, * peripheral neuropathy, * dialysis, * moderate to severe valvular disease, * moderate to severe COPD, * hospitalization due to cardiovascular causes within the last 30 days, * intracranial aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, cerebral neoplasm, or abscess, * angina pectoris and use of medications known to affect ischemic conditioning/occlusion, such as cyclosporine or glibenclamide, * use of dual antiplatelet therapy or anticoagulants, including NOACs, low-molecular-weight heparin, or vitamin K antagonists.

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

Muscle Oxygen Saturation

Timeframe: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

Total Hemoglobin

Timeframe: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07627737

SponsorBiruni University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-06

Contact for this trial

Dilara AKAR ÇAMYAR, Principal Investigator

+905393291126 f.dilaraakar@gmail.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Heart Failure trials