Effects of Enhanced External Counterpulsation Combined With Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Launched by LANZHOU UNIVERSITY SECOND HOSPITAL · Jul 1, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether combining a treatment called enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) with a cardiac rehabilitation program can help people with atrial fibrillation—a common heart rhythm problem—improve their heart function and ability to exercise. EECP is a non-invasive therapy that uses gentle pressure on the legs to help the heart work better. The study will compare this combined approach to standard care to see if it offers extra benefits.

People who might join this study are between 40 and 80 years old, have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, and are stable enough to take part in both EECP and rehabilitation exercises. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the combined treatment or continue with regular care. The main things the researchers will look at are how well the heart pumps blood and how far participants can walk in six minutes, which shows their exercise capacity. Before joining, participants will give written consent, and certain health conditions like recent heart attacks or severe lung disease would exclude someone from the trial. The study is planned to take place at Lanzhou University Second Hospital and is not yet open for enrollment.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age between 40 and 80 years
• • Diagnosed with persistent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, confirmed by ECG or Holter
• • Stable medical condition and able to participate in cardiac rehabilitation and EECP therapy
• • Provided written informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Recent acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or decompensated heart failure within the past 4 weeks
• • Severe valvular heart disease or left ventricular ejection fraction \<30%
• • Severe peripheral vascular disease or deep vein thrombosis
• • Severe pulmonary disease or active infection
• • History of bleeding disorders or contraindications to EECP
• • Cognitive impairment or psychiatric condition affecting study participation
• • Participation in another clinical trial within the past 3 months