PRIME HFrEF: Novel Exercise for Older Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

Last updated: June 3, 2025
Sponsor: University of Virginia
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Chest Pain

Hyponatremia

Congestive Heart Failure

Treatment

COMBO

PRIME

Clinical Study ID

NCT05609097
HSR220112
1R01AG075556-01A1
  • Ages > 65
  • All Genders

Study Summary

This study is trying to find out whether performing a hybrid aerobic-resistance exercise training program (titled PRIME: Peripheral Remodeling via Intermittent Muscular Exercise) results in better health outcomes than the traditional exercise training program (called COMBO) that is used in individuals with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Participants will be randomized (like the flip of a coin) to either PRIME (investigational) or the traditional exercise program (standard of care).

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Subjects must be able to communicate meaningfully with the investigator and must belegally competent to provide written informed consent.

  • Subjects may be of either sex with age > 65 years.

  • Subjects must be diagnosed with HFrEF as per established echocardiographic criteria (New York Heart Association Class II-III) with an ejection fraction <45%.

  • Cardiologist approve after thorough chart review and physical examination

  • Hemoglobin of at least 10.0 g/dL

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Progressive worsening of exercise tolerance or dyspnea at rest or on exertion overprevious 3-5 days

  • Significant ischemia at low exercise intensities (<2 METS or ~50 W)

  • Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c >10%)

  • Acute systemic illness of fever

  • Recent embolism (in the 6 weeks)

  • Deep Vein Thrombophlebitis

  • Active pericarditis or myocarditis

  • Severe aortic stenosis (aortic valve area <1.0 cm2)

  • Regurgitant valvular heart disease requiring surgery

  • Myocardial infarction within previous 3 weeks

  • New onset atrial fibrillation (in the last 4 weeks)

  • Resting Heart Rate >120bpm

Study Design

Total Participants: 92
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: COMBO
Phase:
Study Start date:
April 14, 2023
Estimated Completion Date:
June 30, 2028

Study Description

This study is a two-arm, prospective randomized clinical trial with participants randomized, in a 1:1 ratio to 4 weeks of either standard progressive whole-body aerobic plus resistance training (COMBO) or PRIME training (Phase 1), followed by 8 weeks of progressive whole-body COMBO assigned to all participants (Phase 2). The objective of this study is to determine whether PRIME exercise training can outperform traditional (COMBO) exercise training to improve outcomes in HFrEF patients. The study aims to test 92 HFrEF patients (46 randomized to PRIME and 46 to COMBO training) over a 5-year period. Data will be collected at each visit and patients will return for a 6-month follow up from the date of the final visit.

Connect with a study center

  • University of Virginia, Department of Kinesiology

    Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

Not the study for you?

Let us help you find the best match. Sign up as a volunteer and receive email notifications when clinical trials are posted in the medical category of interest to you.