Exercise training for chronic heart failure (ExTraMATCH II): protocol for an individual participant data...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic heart failure (HF) significantly impairs exercise capacity, quality of life, and life expectancy.
• Existing evidence supports exercise training for HF, but uncertainties persist regarding its precise impact.
• Clinicians need definitive data on mortality, hospitalization, and quality of life benefits, and identification of patient subgroups who benefit most.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update the Exercise Training Meta-Analysis for Chronic Heart Failure (ExTraMATCH) individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis.
• To investigate the effects of exercise training on mortality, hospitalization, and health-related quality of life in HF patients.
• To identify specific HF patient subgroups that benefit most from exercise interventions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and IPD meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
• Inclusion criteria: exercise training ≥3 weeks, non-exercise control, ≥6 months follow-up.
• Data analysis using a one-step IPD meta-analysis approach, accounting for study clustering.

Main Results:

• Data compilation from eligible trials, including original IPD.
• Analysis focused on mortality, hospitalization, and health-related quality of life.
• Investigation of key baseline patient demographic and clinical data.

Conclusions:

• ExTraMATCH II findings will inform clinical and policy decisions regarding exercise interventions in HF.
• Results aim to improve the quality, design, and reporting of future HF exercise trials.
• Enhanced understanding of exercise training benefits for heart failure management.