This randomized trial has been designed to study if it is possible to enhance work capacity during submaximal efforts in heart failure patients supported with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD). The hypothesis is that exercise tolerability during low to moderate workloads in CF-LVAD patients can be increased when pump speed is increased soon after the onset of exercise.
To test the hypothesis described above the investigators will study submaximal exercise tests below anaerobic threshold in patients supported with CF-LVADs.Each patient will perform two tests- one with baseline CF-LVAD pump speed and the other with incrementally increased pump speed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
31
Submaximal exercise test with baseline pump speed.
Submaximal exercise test with increased pump speed (+800RPM).
University Hospital of Copenhagen; Rigshospitalet.
Copenhagen Oe, Denmark
Exercise time
Exercise will be performed on a upright ergometer bike with simultaneously breath-by-breath gaz analysis.
Time frame: Exercise time will be estimated only on the day of the study. No follow-up.
Perceived exertion
Rate of exertion will be estimated using the Borg Scale.
Time frame: Perceived exertion will be estimated during exercise on the ergometer bike on the day of the study.
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