Application of Blood Flow Restriction Training in Cardiac Patients: CARDresfluj Study

Application of Blood Flow Restriction Training in Cardiac Patients: CARDresfluj Study

1. Research Objective

   To describe and compare the effects on cardiovascular health, physical fitness, quality of life, oxidative stress, and sleep quality resulting from a conventional resistance training program versus a conventional resistance training program partially implemented with Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) in patients with Phase III cardiac disease.

2. Methodology, Expected Collaboration, and Duration

Participants will be invited to undergo assessments for physical fitness, functional capacity, cardiological, hemodynamic, and biochemical control, as well as perceived quality of life and sleep quality, both prior to and following the intervention.

Your collaboration in this study will consist of participating in a Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation program, monitored by specialized personnel and supervised by a cardiologist.

The intervention is based on a resistance training program supplemented with leg press and biceps curl exercises. These specific exercises will be performed using a blood flow restriction cuff.

The intervention will be conducted twice weekly over a 10-week period, followed by a 2-months washout (rest) period. Subsequently, the 10-week intervention will be repeated; however, if the first phase was completed with the use of cuffs, the second phase will be conducted without them, and vice-versa (cross-over design).

Inclusion Criteria:

• All participants must be of legal age (≥18 years) and provide signed informed consent prior to any study procedures
• Participants must have a confirmed medical diagnosis of stable cardiac disease (e.g., post-myocardial infarction, stable angina, or post-revascularization) as documented by a specialist.
• All subjects must be currently enrolled in or actively participating in a Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation program (the maintenance phase).
• Evidence of clinical stability is required, ensuring that participants can safely perform resistance training without immediate cardiovascular contraindications.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable Cardiovascular Status: Presence of unstable angina, uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias, or severe symptomatic aortic stenosis.
• Recent Acute Events: Myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), or other major cardiac surgeries within the last 3 months (or outside the timeframe defined for Phase III eligibility).
• Uncontrolled Hypertension: Resting systolic blood pressure >160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure >100 mmHg despite pharmacological treatment.
• Specific Contraindications to BFR: History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), peripheral vascular disease, or severe lymphedema in the limbs designated for cuff application.
• Musculoskeletal Limitations: Any orthopedic or neuromuscular condition that prevents the safe performance of biceps curls or leg press exercises.
• Concurrent High-Intensity Training: Participation in any other structured vigorous-intensity exercise program that could confound the results of the intervention.
• Medical Instability: Significant comorbid conditions, such as uncontrolled metabolic disease (e.g., Type 2 Diabetes with severe complications), advanced renal failure, or respiratory diseases that limit functional capacity below the study requirements.