Short-term exercise training in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation: effects on exercise capacity, AV conduction, and quality of life

J Cardiopulm Rehabil. 2006 Jan-Feb;26(1):24-9. doi: 10.1097/00008483-200601000-00005.

Abstract

Purpose: A randomized study was conducted to determine whether short-term exercise training in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) might improve exercise capacity and quality of life (QOL), and influence atrioventricular conduction.

Methods: Atrial fibrillation patients (age 64 +/- 7 years) were randomized to exercise training (n = 15) or a 2-month control period (n = 15) followed by the training program. Twenty-four training sessions consisted of aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening. A cycle ergometer test and a 15-minute resting high-frequency spectral electrocardiogram analysis were performed and a QOL questionnaire (SF-36) was completed before and after training. Because there were no changes after 2 months in the control group, pooled data for all patients are presented before and after training.

Results: Cumulated work at Borg scale 17 increased by 41% +/- 36%. Heart rate at rest and after 10 minutes of exercise decreased from 75 +/- 14 to 68 +/- 14 bpm and 145 +/- 19 to 137 +/- 21 bpm, respectively. HF increased from 81 +/- 17 to 91 +/- 22 milliseconds. Four of the 8 scales and 1 of the 2 summary scales of the Short-Form-36 improved. P <.05 for all results.

Conclusions: Exercise capacity, heart rate variability, and QOL improved after 2 months of exercise training in patients with chronic AF. Heart rates at rest and during exercise decreased.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / psychology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / therapy*
  • Atrioventricular Node / physiopathology*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Electrocardiography, Ambulatory
  • Exercise Test
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Exercise Tolerance / physiology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Rate / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome