Effectiveness of Exercise on Fatigue for Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Systematic Review Methodology

Background:

• Exercise is a cornerstone therapy for managing heart failure (HF).
• Patient-reported fatigue and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) are critical outcomes in HF management.
• The specific impact of exercise interventions on fatigue and HR-QoL in HF patients requires systematic evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of exercise interventions on fatigue and HR-QoL in patients with heart failure (HF).
• To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) adhering to PRISMA guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search up to October 31, 2021, following Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA guidelines.
• Inclusion of RCTs evaluating exercise interventions for fatigue and HR-QoL in HF patients.
• Meta-analysis of combined exercise training and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) effects.

Main Results:

• Combined exercise training demonstrated a significant improvement in fatigue (SMD = -0.51, p = .001).
• Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) also significantly reduced fatigue (MD = -11.36, p < .00001).
• However, exercise interventions did not yield statistically significant improvements in HR-QoL (SMD = -0.04, p = .83).

Conclusions:

• Exercise interventions, including combined training and IMT, are effective in alleviating fatigue in heart failure patients.
• Current evidence suggests exercise may not significantly enhance the health-related quality of life in this population.
• Further research is needed to explore exercise strategies that improve both fatigue and HR-QoL in HF.