Heart FailureNCT07519473
Neuromuscular Versus Resistance Training on Functional Capacity in Patients With Heart Failure.
A study testing Resistance Training and Neuromuscular Training in people with Heart Failure, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of neuromuscular training and resistance training on functional capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lower limb performance in patients with chronic heart failure. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Heart Failure
- What is being tested?
- Resistance Training and Neuromuscular Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- Apr 2026to 29 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 40 to 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male and female patients aged 40-60 years
- Diagnosed with chronic heart failure ≥ 1 year
- Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), EF ≤ 40%
- NYHA Class II-III
- Low to moderate exercise risk (based on Chester Step Test)
- On stable pharmacological treatment for ≥ 6 weeks
- Able to understand and follow exercise instructions
Who cannot join
- Absolute contraindications to exercise (e.g., recent MI, unstable angina, uncontrolled arrhythmias, severe aortic stenosis, decompensated HF)
- Abnormal CPET findings (severe arrhythmias, ischemia, ST depression)
- Abnormal blood pressure response during exercise
- Exercise-induced angina or thoracic pain
- Musculoskeletal, neurological, or cognitive impairments limiting exercise participation
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site
community based Cardiac Rehab Unit, Cardiac Centers, and Tertiary Care Hospitals
Lahore, Punjab Province, 40100
Arjumand bano, MS-CPPT, 03059551883, arjumand.bano@riphah.edu.pk
syeda Fizza Kazmi, MS-CPPT
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects Between Neuromuscular Versus Resistance Training on Functional Capacity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Lower Limb Performance in Patients With Heart Failure.
This randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of neuromuscular training and resistance training on functional capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lower limb performance in patients with chronic heart failure. A total of 40 participants will be randomly assigned into two groups in a single-blinded design.
Both groups will undergo a 10-week supervised exercise program. Outcomes will be assessed using VO₂ peak, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and quality of life measures.
The study aims to determine the more effective rehabilitation approach for improving clinical outcomes in heart failure patients.
Read the detailed description
Heart failure is a chronic and progressive condition associated with reduced functional capacity, impaired cardiorespiratory fitness, and decreased lower limb performance, significantly affecting quality of life. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is an established intervention; however, the comparative effectiveness of different exercise modalities, particularly neuromuscular training and resistance training, remains insufficiently explored.
This study is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial designed to compare the effects of neuromuscular training and resistance training on functional capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lower limb performance in patients with chronic heart failure. A total of 40 participants meeting the inclusion criteria will be recruited from tertiary care hospitals and cardiac rehabilitation centers. After baseline assessment, participants will be randomly allocated into two groups using a concealed allocation method.
Both groups will undergo a supervised 10-week intervention program consisting of 20 sessions (2 sessions per week). Each session will include warm-up, 20 minutes of specific training, 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and cool-down. The resistance training group will perform exercises targeting major muscle groups at moderate intensity (50-70% of one-repetition maximum), while the neuromuscular training group will focus on balance, coordination, proprioception, and motor control using structured functional exercises.
Primary outcome measures will include cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂ peak assessed via Chester Step Test), functional capacity (6-Minute Walk Test), and lower limb performance (Short Physical Performance Battery). Secondary outcomes will include resting heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, perceived exertion (Borg CR-10), and quality of life measured using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ).
Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after completion of the intervention by a blinded assessor to minimize bias. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to compare within-group and between-group differences.
This study aims to generate evidence on the comparative effectiveness of neuromuscular and resistance training, which may help in optimizing cardiac rehabilitation protocols and improving clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure.
- Conditions
- Heart Failure
- Being tested
- Resistance Training, Neuromuscular Training
- Keywords
- Neuromuscular Training ,Resistance Training ,Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Medical subject headings
- Heart Failure
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Resistance TrainingBehavioural
Also called Strength Training; Exercise Therapy
A supervised resistance training program targeting major muscle groups using resistance bands, machines, and bodyweight exercises. Training intensity will be set at 50-70% of one-repetition maximum and progressed based on patient tolerance. Each session will include warm-up, 20 minutes of resistance exercises, 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and cool-down. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly for 10 weeks.
Neuromuscular TrainingBehavioural
Also called Balance Training; Proprioceptive Training; Motor Control Training
A supervised neuromuscular training program focusing on balance, coordination, proprioception, and postural control. Exercises will include dynamic balance tasks, limb coordination, and training on unstable surfaces. Each session will include warm-up, 20 minutes of neuromuscular exercises, 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and cool-down. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly for 10 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Training Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will undergo a supervised resistance training program targeting major upper and lower limb muscle groups. Training will be performed at moderate intensity (50-70% of one-repetition maximum) using resistance bands, machines, and bodyweight exercises. Each session will also include 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, along with warm-up and cool-down, conducted twice weekly for 10 weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Resistance Training |
| Neuromuscular Training Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will undergo a supervised neuromuscular training program focusing on balance, coordination, proprioception, postural control, and motor control exercises. Training will include dynamic balance activities, limb coordination tasks, and exercises using unstable surfaces. Each session will also include 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, along with warm-up and cool-down, conducted twice weekly for 10 weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Neuromuscular Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Functional Capacity
Functional capacity will be assessed using the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), which measures the distance a participant can walk on a flat surface in 6 minutes. It is a validated and reliable measure used in cardiac rehabilitation to evaluate exercise tolerance and daily functional ability in patients with heart failure.
Measured: Baseline and after 10 weeks of intervention
Cardiorespiratory Fitness (VO₂ Peak)
Cardiorespiratory fitness will be assessed using the Chester Step Test, which estimates VO₂ peak based on heart rate response during graded stepping exercise. VO₂ peak is a key indicator of aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health in patients with heart failure.
Measured: Baseline and after 10 weeks of intervention
Lower Limb Performance
Lower limb performance will be assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), which includes balance tests, gait speed, and chair stand tests. It is a validated tool for assessing lower extremity function in clinical populations.
Measured: Baseline and after 10 weeks of intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Apr 2026
- Study startApr 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion28 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion29 Jul 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Heart FailureStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned into two parallel groups: one receiving resistance training and the other receiving neuromuscular training. Both groups will undergo supervised exercise sessions along with standard aerobic training for 10 weeks, and outcomes will be compared between groups.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Arjumand Bano, MSPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07519473
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0321
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 9 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects Between Neuromuscular Versus Resistance Training on Functional Capacity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Lower Limb Performance in Patients With Heart Failure.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07519473
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0321
- Conditions
- Heart Failure
- Keywords
- Neuromuscular Training ,Resistance Training ,Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 28 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 29 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 9 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of neuromuscular training and resistance training on functional capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lower limb performance in patients with chronic heart failure. A total of 40 participants will be randomly assigned into two groups in a single-blinded design.
Both groups will undergo a 10-week supervised exercise program. Outcomes will be assessed using VO₂ peak, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and quality of life measures.
The study aims to determine the more effective rehabilitation approach for improving clinical outcomes in heart failure patients.
Detailed description
Heart failure is a chronic and progressive condition associated with reduced functional capacity, impaired cardiorespiratory fitness, and decreased lower limb performance, significantly affecting quality of life. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is an established intervention; however, the comparative effectiveness of different exercise modalities, particularly neuromuscular training and resistance training, remains insufficiently explored.
This study is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial designed to compare the effects of neuromuscular training and resistance training on functional capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lower limb performance in patients with chronic heart failure. A total of 40 participants meeting the inclusion criteria will be recruited from tertiary care hospitals and cardiac rehabilitation centers. After baseline assessment, participants will be randomly allocated into two groups using a concealed allocation method.
Both groups will undergo a supervised 10-week intervention program consisting of 20 sessions (2 sessions per week). Each session will include warm-up, 20 minutes of specific training, 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and cool-down. The resistance training group will perform exercises targeting major muscle groups at moderate intensity (50-70% of one-repetition maximum), while the neuromuscular training group will focus on balance, coordination, proprioception, and motor control using structured functional exercises.
Primary outcome measures will include cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂ peak assessed via Chester Step Test), functional capacity (6-Minute Walk Test), and lower limb performance (Short Physical Performance Battery). Secondary outcomes will include resting heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, perceived exertion (Borg CR-10), and quality of life measured using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ).
Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after completion of the intervention by a blinded assessor to minimize bias. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to compare within-group and between-group differences.
This study aims to generate evidence on the comparative effectiveness of neuromuscular and resistance training, which may help in optimizing cardiac rehabilitation protocols and improving clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned into two parallel groups: one receiving resistance training and the other receiving neuromuscular training. Both groups will undergo supervised exercise sessions along with standard aerobic training for 10 weeks, and outcomes will be compared between groups.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Training Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Resistance TrainingParticipants in this group will undergo a supervised resistance training program targeting major upper and lower limb muscle groups. Training will be performed at moderate intensity (50-70% of one-repetition maximum) using resistance bands, machines, and bodyweight exercises. Each session will also include 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, along with warm-up and cool-down, conducted twice weekly for 10 weeks. |
| Neuromuscular Training Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Neuromuscular TrainingParticipants in this group will undergo a supervised neuromuscular training program focusing on balance, coordination, proprioception, postural control, and motor control exercises. Training will include dynamic balance activities, limb coordination tasks, and exercises using unstable surfaces. Each session will also include 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, along with warm-up and cool-down, conducted twice weekly for 10 weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Male and female patients aged 40-60 years
- Diagnosed with chronic heart failure ≥ 1 year
- Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), EF ≤ 40%
- NYHA Class II-III
- Low to moderate exercise risk (based on Chester Step Test)
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Absolute contraindications to exercise (e.g., recent MI, unstable angina, uncontrolled arrhythmias, severe aortic stenosis, decompensated HF)
- Abnormal CPET findings (severe arrhythmias, ischemia, ST depression)
- Abnormal blood pressure response during exercise
- Exercise-induced angina or thoracic pain
- Musculoskeletal, neurological, or cognitive impairments limiting exercise participation
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance TrainingAlso: Strength Training; Exercise TherapyA supervised resistance training program targeting major muscle groups using resistance bands, machines, and bodyweight exercises. Training intensity will be set at 50-70% of one-repetition maximum and progressed based on patient tolerance. Each session will include warm-up, 20 minutes of resistance exercises, 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and cool-down. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly for 10 weeks. | Behavioural | Resistance Training Group |
| Neuromuscular TrainingAlso: Balance Training; Proprioceptive Training; Motor Control TrainingA supervised neuromuscular training program focusing on balance, coordination, proprioception, and postural control. Exercises will include dynamic balance tasks, limb coordination, and training on unstable surfaces. Each session will include warm-up, 20 minutes of neuromuscular exercises, 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and cool-down. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly for 10 weeks. | Behavioural | Neuromuscular Training Group |
Primary outcome
Functional Capacity
Time frame: Baseline and after 10 weeks of intervention
Functional capacity will be assessed using the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), which measures the distance a participant can walk on a flat surface in 6 minutes. It is a validated and reliable measure used in cardiac rehabilitation to evaluate exercise tolerance and daily functional ability in patients with heart failure.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness (VO₂ Peak)
Time frame: Baseline and after 10 weeks of intervention
Cardiorespiratory fitness will be assessed using the Chester Step Test, which estimates VO₂ peak based on heart rate response during graded stepping exercise. VO₂ peak is a key indicator of aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health in patients with heart failure.
Lower Limb Performance
Time frame: Baseline and after 10 weeks of intervention
Lower limb performance will be assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), which includes balance tests, gait speed, and chair stand tests. It is a validated tool for assessing lower extremity function in clinical populations.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Apr 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Arjumand Bano, MSPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Resistance Training and Neuromuscular Training in people with Heart Failure, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Muhammad Iqbal Tariq, Phd* (03338236752, iqbal.tariq@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Functional Capacity (time frame: Baseline and after 10 weeks of intervention). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Apr 2026.