Eccentric Exercise Rehabilitation After Myocardial Infarction
Poland60 participantsStarted 2026-07-22
Plain-language summary
This clinical trial will evaluate a two-week eccentric exercise program conducted as part of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation in patients after a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Eccentric exercise involves muscle contractions while the muscles are lengthening and may allow the muscles to work at a relatively high load with a lower cardiovascular and metabolic demand than traditional exercise.
The main aim of the study is to determine whether eccentric exercise affects blood levels of proteins released or regulated in response to physical activity, including musclin, interleukin-6, and myostatin. The study will also evaluate whether the program improves physical performance and functional capacity.
Participants will complete eccentric cycling exercise on a semi-recumbent cycle ergometer during a two-week cardiac rehabilitation program. Blood samples and physical-function measurements will be collected before and after the intervention.
Who can participate
Age range
50 Years – 75 Years
Sex
MALE
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
* Documented history of myocardial infarction confirmed by medical records.
* Qualification for stage I comprehensive inpatient cardiac rehabilitation.
* Clinically stable condition allowing participation in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation.
* New York Heart Association functional class I or II.
* Moderate or good exercise tolerance, defined as an exercise capacity of at least 5 metabolic equivalents, assessed during an exercise test.
* No cardiovascular contraindications to exercise testing or participation in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation.
* Ability to understand the study procedures and follow the instructions provided by the study personnel.
* Provision of written informed consent to participate in the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Any contraindication to exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation or exercise testing.
* Acute myocardial infarction within the first 4 days before planned initiation of exercise rehabilitation.
* Unstable angina.
* Significant left main coronary artery stenosis considered a contraindication to exercise by the treating cardiologist.
* Symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias.
* Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis.
* Decompensated heart failure.
* Acute pulmonary embolism or pulmonary infarction.
* Deep vein thrombosis.
* Recent or mobile intracardiac thrombus.
* Acute myocarditis, endocarditis, or pericarditis.
* Aortic dissection.
* Symptomatic acquired second- or third-degree atrioventricular block without appropriate card…
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 From Baseline in Serum Musclin Concentration
Timeframe: Baseline and after completion of the 2-week inpatient cardiac rehabilitation program
2
Change From Baseline in Serum Myostatin Concentration
Timeframe: Baseline and after completion of the 2-week inpatient cardiac rehabilitation program
3
Change From Baseline in Serum Interleukin-6 Concentration
Timeframe: Baseline and after completion of the 2-week inpatient cardiac rehabilitation program