Novel Respiratory Training as Part of Palliative Care for Older Adults With Heart Failure

Description

In a randomized controlled trial, to study the utility of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to improve functional outcomes in adults aged ≥70 years with heart failure (HF) who have been referred to palliative care for end-stage HF management. * The study team hypothesize that older HF patients will be able to use IMT safely, reliably, and effectively in a 12-week home-based training regimen. * The study team hypothesize that physical function (sit to stand, gait speed, grip strength), respiratory/pulmonary function, self-efficacy, fatigue and quality of life will increase among older HF patients randomized IMT versus those randomized to usual care.

Conditions

Aging, Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction, Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction, Frailty, Physical Function, Quality of Life

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

In a randomized controlled trial, to study the utility of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to improve functional outcomes in adults aged ≥70 years with heart failure (HF) who have been referred to palliative care for end-stage HF management. * The study team hypothesize that older HF patients will be able to use IMT safely, reliably, and effectively in a 12-week home-based training regimen. * The study team hypothesize that physical function (sit to stand, gait speed, grip strength), respiratory/pulmonary function, self-efficacy, fatigue and quality of life will increase among older HF patients randomized IMT versus those randomized to usual care.

Novel Respiratory Training as Part of Palliative Care for Older Adults With Heart Failure

Novel Respiratory Training as Part of Palliative Care for Older Adults With Heart Failure

Condition
Aging
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Patients with Advanced Heart Failure (HFrEF or HFpEF), with NYHA class II, III, or IV despite a minimum of
  • * 6 weeks of treatment
  • * Age \>70 years
  • * Male and Female
  • * Optimal therapy according to AHA/ACC and HFSA HF guidelines
  • * Patients living in an institutional setting (e.g., skilled nursing home) during the intended period of this study.
  • * Major cardiovascular event or procedure within the prior 6 weeks.
  • * HF secondary to significant uncorrected primary valvular disease (except mitral regurgitation secondary to left ventricular dysfunction). If valve replacement has been performed, the participant may not be enrolled for 12 months after this procedure.
  • * Dementia
  • * Severe COPD (FEV1\<50%), PVD, and/or Anemia
  • * End-stage malignancy
  • * Severe valvular heart disease
  • * Psychiatric hospitalization within the last 3 months
  • * Chronic ETOH or drug dependency.
  • * Adults unable to consent
  • * Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers)
  • * Pregnant women
  • * Prisoners

Ages Eligible for Study

70 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Pittsburgh,

Daniel E. Forman, M.D, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Pittsburgh

Study Record Dates

2026-10-31