Strength before cardio: new exercise strategy tested for heart patients

NCT ID NCT07324772

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a new exercise approach for people aged 60 and older who have both atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) and a type of heart failure called HFpEF. Instead of starting with aerobic exercise like walking, participants will first do 2 months of progressive resistance training (strength exercises) before adding aerobic training. The goal is to see if this sequence improves how far they can walk in 6 minutes, their muscle strength, and their quality of life. The study plans to enroll 30 participants and is not yet recruiting.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

progressive resistance training followed by aerobic exercise

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a more tolerable exercise program that improves daily function and quality of life for older adults with both atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The exercise program may be too challenging for some, and there is no guarantee it will improve symptoms.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

atrial fibrillation diastolic heart failure Motor Activity paroxysmal atrial fibrillation persistent atrial fibrillation

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Northwestern University

    Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States