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CABGNCT07578805

Comparative Effects of Elliptical Exercises and Swiss Ball Aerobics Exercises in Post CABG Patients

A study testing elliptical exercises and swiss ball exercises in people with CABG, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This randomized controlled trial will compare the effectiveness of elliptical exercise training and Swiss ball exercise therapy in post-CABG patients. A total of 32 participants will be recruited through convenient sampling and randomly allocated into two groups (16 each). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 40 to 60 years
Conditions the study is for
CABG
What is being tested?
elliptical exercises and swiss ball exercises
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
32 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
10 May 2026to 20 Aug 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

  • Adult patients aged 40 to 60 years who have undergone elective or scheduled coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.
  • Post-operative duration between 2 to 6 weeks, medically cleared to begin rehabilitation exercises.
  • Hemodynamically stable (normal vital signs, no signs of acute cardiac distress).
  • Willing and able to participate in a supervised rehabilitation program.

Who cannot join

  • Patients with unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction (<2 weeks), or uncontrolled arrhythmias.
  • Patients with severe valvular heart disease or left ventricular ejection fraction <30%.
  • Individuals with neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease, stroke) that impair mobility or coordination.
  • Patients with severe musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., joint replacement, severe arthritis, recent fractures).
  • Cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia, significant memory loss) that prevents understanding or following instructions.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Imran Amjad, Phd contact

03324390125

imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk

Pakistan1 site
  • Riphah International University

    Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000

    Khadija Nawaz, MsPT(CPPT)

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Comparative Effects Of Elliptical Exercises And Swiss Ball Aerobics Exercises On Functional Capacity, Heart Rate, Dyspnea , And Quality Of Life In Post CABG Patients

This randomized controlled trial will compare the effectiveness of elliptical exercise training and Swiss ball exercise therapy in post-CABG patients. A total of 32 participants will be recruited through convenient sampling and randomly allocated into two groups (16 each). Group A will receive supervised elliptical exercise training, while Group B will perform Swiss ball exercises, with sessions conducted three times per week for 6-8 weeks. Outcomes including functional exercise capacity (Six-Minute Walk Test), resting heart rate (pulse oximetry), dyspnea (Modified Borg Scale), and quality of life (SF-36) will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Data will be analyzed using SPSS to determine the more effective rehabilitation approach for improving recovery after CABG.

Read the detailed description

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a widely performed surgical intervention aimed at restoring adequate myocardial perfusion in patients with severe coronary artery disease. Despite its benefits, patients often experience persistent limitations in functional capacity, elevated resting heart rate, and dyspnea, during the postoperative period. Effective rehabilitation strategies are essential to facilitate recovery and enhance quality of life in this population.

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of two rehabilitation approaches elliptical exercise training and Swiss ball exercise therapy on key clinical and psychological outcomes in post-CABG patients. Patient of post CABG will be selected by convenient sampling technique 32 Participants will be randomly assigned to either group 16 in each group. Group A will be treated by elliptical exercises and B will be treated with Swiss ball exercises and will engage in supervised exercise sessions three times a week for 6 to 8 weeks. Outcomes including functional exercise capacity (measured via the six-minute walk test), resting heart rate (pulse ox), dyspnea (Modified Borg Scale), and quality of life (SF-36) will be evaluated before and after the intervention.

Data will be analyzed using statistical package for social sciences spss. By comparing these two approaches, this research aims to determine which exercise method is more effective in improving both physical parameters and quality of life in post-CABG patients. The results could help improve rehabilitation programs and support faster, more complete recoveries for heart surgery patients.

Conditions
CABG
Being tested
elliptical exercises, swiss ball exercises
Keywords
CABG,, dyspnea,, elliptical exercises,, functional capacity,, quality of life,, Swiss ball exercises
Medical subject headings
Dyspnea

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • elliptical exercisesOther

    Participants allocated to the this group will undergo a structured aerobic training program using an elliptical trainer. The exercise prescription will adhere to the FITT framework as follows: frequency of five sessions per week, moderate intensity (targeting approximately 50-70% of heart rate reserve or corresponding Rating of Perceived Exertion of 12-14 on the Borg scale), and duration of 30 minutes per session. Each session will be supervised and will include appropriate warm-up and cool-down periods according to standard cardiac rehabilitation protocols. The intervention will be delivered consistently throughout the study period using an elliptical exercise modality.

  • swiss ball exercisesOther

    Participants allocated to this group will receive a structured exercise program using Swiss ball-based training. The intervention will follow the FITT principle as follows: frequency of five sessions per week, moderate intensity (corresponding to a Rating of Perceived Exertion of 12-14 on the Borg scale), and duration of 30 minutes per session. The exercise type will consist of flexibility and breathing exercises performed with the Swiss ball. Each session will be supervised and will include standardized warm-up and cool-down components in accordance with established rehabilitation protocols. The intervention will be delivered consistently throughout the study period.

Study groups in NCT07578805
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group AExperimentalGroup A will be recieving elliptical exercise (Steady state moderate intensity protocol on elliptical trainer, interval elliptical training)
Receives: Other: elliptical exercises
Group BActive comparatorGroup B will be recieving swiss ball exercises (Seated arm raises with light weights and bands, seated torso rotation,seated bouncing,arm circles and punches while sitting,diaphragmatic breathing with ball hug, wall squat with swiss ball support).
Receives: Other: swiss ball exercises

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. functional capacity

    6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a practical and widely used assessment tool to measure exercise capacity and functional status in individuals with various health conditions. To perform the test, a flat, straight corridor with a measured distance is required. The individual is instructed to walk at their own pace, aiming to cover as much distance as possible within the 6-minute time frame. They can slow down, stop, or rest if needed, but the timer continues to run. The test administrator records the total distance walked, as well as any symptoms, such as shortness of breath or fatigue. The 6MWT is a valuable tool for assessing exercise capacity improvement, as it reflects an individual's ability to perform daily activities and can be used to monitor changes in functional status over time or in response to interventions, such as exercise training or rehabilitation programs. By tracking changes in distance walked, healthcare providers can evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plan.

    Measured: pretreatment, 4th week, 8th week

  2. Heart rate

    A pulse oximeter, often referred to as a pulse ox, is a small, non-invasive medical device that clips onto a fingertip, toe, or earlobe to measure two critical health metrics: oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate. Oxygen saturation indicates the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is carrying oxygen, while heart rate measures the number of heart beats per minute (bpm). To use a pulse oximeter for measuring heart rate, simply place the device on the chosen site, ensuring a snug fit, and turn it on. After a few seconds, the device will display both your oxygen saturation level and heart rate. It's essential to remain still during measurement to ensure accuracy, as movement can interfere with the readings. A pulse oximeter is a valuable tool for monitoring heart rate, especially for individuals with heart conditions, respiratory issues, or those engaging in high-altitude activities. By providing quick and reliable readings, it helps users track their heart rate in real-time.

    Measured: pretreatment, 4th week, 8th week.

  3. Dyspnoea

    The Modified Borg Scale is a widely used tool to assess the severity of dyspnea (shortness of breath) in patients. It is a simple, self-reported scale that asks patients to rate the intensity of their breathlessness from 0 to 10, with 0 indicating "no breathlessness" and 10 indicating "maximal breathlessness." To use the Modified Borg Scale, patients are asked to select a number that corresponds to the severity of their dyspnea, with descriptors provided for each level of severity, such as "slight" (1-2), "moderate" (3-4), "severe" (5-6), and "very severe" (7-10). This scale helps healthcare providers quantify the impact of dyspnea on patients' daily lives and monitor changes in symptoms over time or in response to treatment. By regularly assessing dyspnea using the Modified Borg Scale, healthcare providers can tailor interventions to meet individual patient needs, evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, and improve patient outcomes.

    Measured: pretreatment, 4th week, 8th week

  4. Quality of life in post-CABG patients

    The Short Form 36 (SF-36) is a widely used, multi-dimensional health survey that measures eight domains of health status: physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, emotional functioning, and mental health. It is a self-reported questionnaire that assesses an individual's perceived health and well-being over a specific period, typically the past four weeks. The SF-36 is used in various settings, including clinical trials, health services research, and individual patient assessments, to evaluate the impact of diseases, treatments, and interventions on quality of life. To use the SF-36, patients are asked to complete the questionnaire, which consists of 36 items. The results provide a comprehensive profile of the patient's health status, allowing healthcare providers to identify areas of strength and weakness, monitor changes over time, and make informed decisions about care. The SF-36's scores can also be used to compare the health status of differ

    Measured: pretreatment, 4th week , 8th week

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted11 May 2026
  2. Study start10 May 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion20 Aug 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion20 Aug 2026 (estimated)

Resources

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
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
32 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07578805
Sponsor's protocol ID
Khadija Nawaz
Status last verified
May 2026
First submitted
5 May 2026
Last updated
11 May 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Athanasiou A, Papazachou O, Rovina N, Nanas S, Dimopoulos S, Kourek C. The Effects of Exercise Training on Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis. 2024 May 22;11(6):161. doi: 10.3390/jcdd11060161.

    PubMed 38921661
  • Bilajac L, Marinovic Glavic M, Kristijan Z, Matea B, Juraga D, Jelakovic A, Rukavina T, Vasiljev V, Jelakovic B. Breaking the Cycle: Enhancing Cardiovascular Health in the Elderly Through Group Exercise. Life (Basel). 2025 Jan 29;15(2):206. doi: 10.3390/life15020206.

    PubMed 40003614
  • Reed JL, Terada T, Cotie LM, Tulloch HE, Leenen FH, Mistura M, Hans H, Wang HW, Vidal-Almela S, Reid RD, Pipe AL. The effects of high-intensity interval training, Nordic walking and moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training on functional capacity, depression and quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trial (CRX study). Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2022 Jan-Feb;70:73-83. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2021.07.002. Epub 2021 Jul 7.

    PubMed 34245777
  • Saba MA, Goharpey S, Attarbashi Moghadam B, Salehi R, Nejatian M. Correlation Between the 6-Min Walk Test and Exercise Tolerance Test in Cardiac Rehabilitation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Cross-sectional Study. Cardiol Ther. 2021 Jun;10(1):201-209. doi: 10.1007/s40119-021-00210-0. Epub 2021 Feb 13.

    PubMed 33586086
  • Anderson L, Thompson DR, Oldridge N, Zwisler AD, Rees K, Martin N, Taylor RS. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for coronary heart disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Jan 5;2016(1):CD001800. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001800.pub3.

    PubMed 26730878
  • Ciftci H, Korkut S, Karaca S. The Effect of Breathing Exercise With Incentive Spirometer on Pain, Anxiety, Comfort, and Physiological Parameters Before and After Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Experimental Study. J Perianesth Nurs. 2025 Dec;40(6):1460-1468. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2025.02.005. Epub 2025 Jun 9.

    PubMed 40488685
  • Hillis LD, Smith PK, Anderson JL, Bittl JA, Bridges CR, Byrne JG, Cigarroa JE, Disesa VJ, Hiratzka LF, Hutter AM Jr, Jessen ME, Keeley EC, Lahey SJ, Lange RA, London MJ, Mack MJ, Patel MR, Puskas JD, Sabik JF, Selnes O, Shahian DM, Trost JC, Winniford MD; American College of Cardiology Foundation; American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines; American Association for Thoracic Surgery; Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists; Society of Thoracic Surgeons. 2011 ACCF/AHA Guideline for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery. A report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Developed in collaboration with the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011 Dec 6;58(24):e123-210. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2011.08.009. Epub 2011 Nov 7. No abstract available.

    PubMed 22070836

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing elliptical exercises and swiss ball exercises in people with CABG, 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 4 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 11 May 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 Imran Amjad, Phd (03324390125, imran.amjad@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: pretreatment, 4th week, 8th week). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07578805, which also lists 7 linked publications.

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 11 May 2026.

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