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Impact of Interval Training on Sympathetic Hyperactivity and Vascular Function

Not Applicable
Conditions
Heart Failure
Interventions
Other: Exercise training of Moderate Intensity
Other: Exercise training of High Intensity
Other: Untraining
Registration Number
NCT04248894
Lead Sponsor
University of Sao Paulo General Hospital
Brief Summary

In this study, the investigators are testing the hypothesis that reduction in sympathetic activity would be greater following high-intensity interval training (HIIT) than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and correspond with improvements in peripheral vascular function, and skeletal muscle function in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Detailed Description

In this study, the investigators are testing the hypothesis that reductions in sympathetic activity would be greater following high-intensity interval training (HIIT) than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and correspond with improvements in peripheral vascular function, and skeletal muscle function in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). To test this hypothesis patients with chronic heart failure (30 - 65 years), left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%, Functional Classes II-III), are being randomized into exercise with HIIT, MICT or no training (NT) three times/week for 12 weeks. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity is assessed by microneurography. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), blood flow and vascular conductance were assessed by ultrasonography. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) by are being measured via finger photoplethysmograph and peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) by a cardiopulmonary exercise test on ergometer cycle for leg. Biopsy samples from the lateral vast of the thigh are being collected for analysis of the intracellular mechanisms in the skeletal muscle. Exercise training is being conducted under supervision at the Heart Institute, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo. Both HIIT and MICT are performed on a cycle ergometer, three times per week for 12 weeks, and training sessions were matched for energy expenditure (i.e., an isocaloric energy expenditure of 200 Kcal/session). The intensity of the MICT session is established based on the HR and workload levels corresponding to anaerobic threshold and respiratory compensation point (RCP). The intensity of the HIIT session is established based on the HR and workload levels corresponding to 5% above the RCP. All exercise sessions were performed under the supervision of an exercise physiologist. The patients in the NT group were instructed to avoid any regular exercise program or any non-supervised exercise protocol during the study. All patients are being assessed before (pre) and after (post) both exercise training modes or control, no training.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
35
Inclusion Criteria
  • Functional Class II to III of New York Heart Association
  • Left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%
  • Peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2) <20 ml•kg-1•min-1
Exclusion Criteria
  • Myocardial infarction within three months
  • Unstable angina
  • Acute heart failure
  • Pacemaker
  • Pulmonary disease
  • Chronic renal disease
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • History of stroke
  • Untreated hypo/hyperthyroidism
  • Body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2
  • History of smoking

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT)Exercise training of Moderate IntensityModerate-intensity continuous training (MICT) = the exercise of moderate intensity perform on a cycle ergometer, three times per week for 12 weeks, and training sessions were matched for energy expenditure (i.e., an isocaloric energy expenditure of 200 Kcal/session). The intensity of the MICT session was established based on the HR and workload levels corresponding to anaerobic threshold and respiratory compensation point
High-intensity interval training (HIIT)Exercise training of High IntensityHigh-intensity interval training (HIIT) = the exercise of high intensity perform on a cycle ergometer, three times per week for 12 weeks, and training sessions were matched for energy expenditure (i.e., an isocaloric energy expenditure of 200 Kcal/session). The intensity of the HIIT session was established based on the HR and workload levels corresponding to 5% above the respiratory compensation point.
No trainingUntrainingThe patients are instructed to avoid any regular exercise program or any non-supervised exercise protocol during the study.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change muscle mechanoreceptor sensitivityBaseline and 12 weeks

The mechanoreceptor sensitivity is being assessed via passive exercise to the leg

Change in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA)Baseline and 12 weeks

MSNA is being assessed by microneurography

Change in chemoreceptor sensitivityBaseline and 12 weeks

Hypoxia via 10% oxygen

Change muscle metaboreceptor sensitivityBaseline and 12 weeks

The metaboreceptor sensitivity is being assessed via dynamic exercise to the leg.The exercise intensity is 30% maximum voluntary contraction.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Peripheral vascular functionBaseline and 12 weeks

Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation is being used to assess the vascular function

Skeletal muscle functionBaseline and 12 weeks

The skeletal muscle function is being assessed in biopsy samples collected in lateral vasts of thigh with needle of biopsy.

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Heart Institute (InCor)

🇧🇷

Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil

Heart Institute

🇧🇷

São Paulo, Cerqueira Cesar, Brazil

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