Poles apart? nordic walking may outpace standard rehab for heart failure

NCT ID NCT02061319

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 13, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether a 12-week Nordic walking program—walking with poles—improves exercise capacity and quality of life in people with heart failure better than standard cardiac rehabilitation. Participants attend twice-weekly sessions, and researchers measure walking distance, heart function, fitness, and well-being. The goal is to see if this simple, accessible exercise offers extra benefits for daily living.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Nordic walking (a form of walking with poles, as a behavioral exercise intervention)
What this could lead to: If Nordic walking proves superior, it could become a recommended exercise option to improve daily function and quality of life for people with heart failure.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial, so results may not apply broadly. Nordic walking may not outperform standard rehab, and any exercise carries some risk for heart failure patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HEART FAILURE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

heart failure

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEART FAILURE

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Ottawa Heart Institute

Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4W7, Canada

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.