Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Effect of outpatient exercise training programmes in patients with chronic heart failure: a systematic review
Suzan van der Meer1, Marlies Zwerink, Marco van Brussel
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
Background:
Advantages of outpatient exercise training are reduced waiting lists, better compliance, reduced time investment by the patient with reduced travel expenses, and less dependence on other people to participate. Therefore, this systematic review studies the effects of outpatient exercise training programmes compared with usual care on exercise capacity, exercise performance, quality of life, and safety in patients with chronic heart failure.
Design:
Systematic review with meta-analysis.
Methods:
Randomized controlled trials concerning patients with chronic heart failure, with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%, were included. A meta-analysis was performed.
Results:
Twenty-two studies were included. VO(2)max, 6-min walking test, and quality of life showed significant differences in favour of the intervention group of 1.85 ml/kg/min, 47.9 m, and 6.9 points, respectively. In none of the studies, a significant relationship was found between exercise training and adverse events.
Conclusion:
This meta-analysis illustrates the efficacy and safety of outpatient training programmes for patients with chronic heart failure.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

