Effects of Supervised Exercise Training on Atrial Fibrillation: A META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked to sedentary lifestyles and even seen in endurance athletes.
• The therapeutic role of exercise in managing AF remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of supervised exercise on atrial fibrillation outcomes.
• To evaluate exercise's effect on AF recurrence, burden, symptoms, quality of life, and cardiorespiratory fitness.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1155 participants with AF.
• Primary outcome: AF recurrence and burden. Secondary outcomes: AF symptoms, quality of life, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).
• Included diverse exercise types: cardiac rehabilitation, aerobic training, Qi Gong, interval training, and yoga.

Main Results:

• Exercise training significantly reduced AF recurrence (RR = 0.77).
• Quality of life and CRF showed significant improvements (SMD = 0.56 for CRF).
• AF burden reduction was observed only with continuous monitoring; no difference in adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Supervised exercise is a safe intervention for AF patients.
• Exercise training effectively lowers AF recurrence and enhances quality of life and CRF.
• Further large RCTs are necessary to clarify exercise's impact on AF burden and symptoms.