Combined Effect of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise in Non Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patients

Riphah International University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: CARDIOMYOPATHY

Treatments: Behavioral: Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise; Behavioral: Aerobic Exercise Only

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07062874

REC/RCR&AHS/24/0359

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study explores the effects of combined aerobic and resistance exercise in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM). In a six-week randomized clinical trial with 66 participants, both exercise groups-combined and aerobic-only-showed significant improvements in exercise capacity, functional independence, dyspnea, and blood pressure. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups. The study concludes that both exercise approaches are effective, but longer studies are needed to determine if combined training offers added benefits.

Full description

The study titled "Combined Effect of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise in Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patients" by Arooj Fatima investigates how integrating both aerobic and resistance exercises impacts patients suffering from NIDCM, a condition marked by left ventricular dysfunction and reduced exercise tolerance. Through a randomized clinical trial involving 66 patients divided into two groups-one receiving both aerobic and resistance training and the other only aerobic training-the study evaluated changes in ejection fraction, VO₂ max, dyspnea, and functional independence over six weeks. Significant improvements were observed within both groups across all measured outcomes, including increased exercise capacity, better functional independence, and reduced blood pressure and dyspnea levels. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups, indicating that while both exercise regimens are beneficial, the combined approach did not yield superior results within the study's timeframe. The research highlights the value of structured exercise in improving cardiovascular and functional outcomes in NIDCM patients and recommends longer, more varied studies to further explore these benefits.

Enrollment: 66 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 40 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Both male and female Age 40 to 60
• Left ventricular ejection fraction <50%

Exclusion criteria

• Patients diagnosed with valvular heart disease, supraventricular arrhythmias, congenital heart disease were excluded.
• Neuromuscular diseases such as stroke, Parkinson.
• Underlying pulmonary disease
• Impaired cognitive function (14)

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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66 participants in 2 patient groups

Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise:

Experimental group

Description:

Participants performed aerobic training three times a week for six weeks. Each session included a 10-minute warm-up, 30-minute main aerobic activity (60-85% of heart rate reserve using the Karvonen formula), and 10-minute cool-down. Additionally, they performed resistance exercises for upper and lower extremities using TheraBands, 8-10 sets covering major muscle groups, three times a week.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Aerobic Exercise Only

Behavioral: Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise

Aerobic Exercise Only

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants followed the same aerobic training protocol as Group A. No resistance training was included. Sessions also occurred three times a week for six weeks, with similar warm-up, active, and cool-down phases.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Aerobic Exercise Only