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).