Clinical Research Directory

Impact of Pre- and Early Post-operative Isometric Handgrip Training on Functional Capacity and Autonomic Function After Sternotomy

This study aims to evaluate the effect of isometric handgrip (IHG) training on functional capacity and autonomic function before and after sternotomy. Open-heart surgery causes significant physiological stress, functional decline, and autonomic dysfunction. Patients undergoing sternotomy will be assessed for 6-minute walk test (6MWT), heart rate recovery (HRR), hemodynamic stability, rate pressure product (RPP), handgrip strength, and anxiety level. The intervention group will perform IHG training at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, 2 minutes contraction per hand followed by 1 minute rest, for 20 minutes daily, 2-3 days before surgery and 24 hours once the patient is stabilized after sternotomy, in addition to standard care sessions (breathing and mobilization exercises). This low-cost, safe intervention aims to improve early cardiac rehabilitation, reduce complications, and enhance functional recovery.

Feasibility of Lower-Body EMS Resistance Training in Postmenopausal Women

This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluates whether combining lower-body electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) with resistance training is feasible and beneficial for physically inactive postmenopausal women, who experience concurrent declines in muscle strength, body composition, arterial elasticity, and cardiac autonomic balance. Sixteen physically inactive postmenopausal women aged 50-70 years are randomly assigned (1:1) to either (A) supervised resistance training combined with lower-body EMS (applied to 6 muscle groups: lower back, lower abdomen, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves) or (B) supervised resistance training alone. Both groups complete twelve 50-minute sessions (consisting of a 10-minute warm-up, 30-minute main exercise, and a 10-minute cool-down) over 6 weeks (twice weekly). Assessments before and after the intervention include body composition, lower-body muscle function, arterial stiffness, and 5-minute heart rate variability. The primary aim is to determine the feasibility of the protocol(recruitment, retention, session attendance, and intervention dose delivery) to inform a future definitive trial. Preliminary estimates of intervention effects on the measured outcomes are reported as secondary aims.

Understanding Individual Variability in Neuronal Signal Transmission to Target Organs in Health and Disease

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the influence of parasympathetic transmission from the brain to different metabolic organs. This transmission can be blocked with the muscarinic antagonist atropine. Participants will undergo an oral glucose tolerance test combined with a double tracer dilution technique either with atropine infusion or placebo. Healthy individuals and high-risk individuals will be compared to identify possible changes in signaling in high-risk groups. In addition, men and women will be included to take into account possible sex differences.