Effects of exercise training in left ventricular assist device patients: a systematic review with an individual...

Safety and efficacy of supervised exercise training (ET) remain unclear in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients. A systematic review with an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis was performed to determine: (1) safety, (2) the effects of ET on peak oxygen consumption (peakVO₂), 6 min walk distance (6MWT) and quality of life (QoL) and (3) the effects of ET on different subgroups of patients with LVAD (age, sex, body mass index (BMI), time post LVAD implantation, baseline exercise performance).

IPD were retrieved from all published randomised, controlled trials that compared the efficacy of ET versus standard care in LVAD patients. One-stage and two-stage (sensitivity analysis) meta-analyses were used to determine the effects of ET overall and for subgroup and ET effects interactions.

Four trials that included 119 LVAD patients (89.1 % males; age: mean (SD), 53 (14) years; BMI: 28 (5) kg/m²; ejection fraction: 19 (6)%) were analysed. ET was safe and improved peakVO₂ (mean difference (95% CI) +1.43 (0.39 to 2.45) mL/kg/min, p=0.004), 6MWT distance (+48 (95% CI 24 to 73) m, p<0.001), QoL (+0.66 (95% CI 0.26 to 1.05) standardised units, p<0.001) more than standard care. Males, older patients, 1 year post LVAD implantation and those with lower baseline BMI and (sub)maximal exercise performance had larger benefit of ET.

ET is safe and improves (sub)maximal exercise performance and QoL in LVAD patients, and should be considered in management of LVAD.

CRD42023480119.