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NCT Number: NCT07062874

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

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.

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Key information

Age range

40 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Arjumand

Lahore, Punjab Province, 40100, Pakistan

Location contact

Arjumand Bano, MS-CPPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

03059551883

Arooj Fatima, MS-CPPT

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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)

Treatment and study plan

Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise

Behavioral

Participants received supervised exercise training 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Each session included a 10-minute warm-up (walking at 1.5 km/h), a 30-minute aerobic phase at 60-85% heart rate reserve (calculated using the Karvonen formula), and a 10-minute cool-down (walking at 1 km/h). In addition, participants performed resistance training for upper and lower extremities using TheraBands, with 8-10 sets targeting major muscle groups.

Other names: Resistance training

Aerobic exercise only

Behavioral

Participants followed the same aerobic training protocol as the experimental group-3 sessions per week for 6 weeks, with 10-minute warm-up, 30-minute aerobic exercise (60-85% HRR), and 10-minute cool-down. No resistance training was provided.

Primary outcomes

  1. Functional Independence Measure (FIM) questionnaire

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

    Assesses level of functional independence across self-care, mobility, communication, and social cognition.

  2. VO₂ Max (Maximum Oxygen Consumption)

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks.

    Measured using Graded Exercise Test (GXT) to assess cardiovascular fitness.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks.

    Rates severity of dyspnea (shortness of breath) from 0 (none) to 10 (maximum).

  2. Blood Pressure (Systolic and Diastolic)

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks.

    Measured via Transthoracic Echocardiogram and standard BP monitor.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

imran amjad, phd

CONTACT

[email protected]

03324390125

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 14, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 14, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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