Key result
Structured diet and exercise improve quality of life in AF without reducing arrhythmia burden.
Why the study?
Studies have reported improvements in QoL or reduction in AF burden from separate exercise and weight loss interventions, prompting investigation into the impact of a combined structured exercise, nutrition, and risk-factor-modification program.
Does a structured exercise and nutrition program improve quality of life and reduce atrial fibrillation burden in patients with nonpermanent atrial fibrillation?
RCT (n=81)
Single-blind (data blinded except follow-up medical history)
Computer-generated block randomization
No
Does a structured exercise and nutrition program improve quality of life and reduce atrial fibrillation burden in patients with nonpermanent atrial fibrillation?
A structured exercise and nutrition program significantly improves quality of life in patients with nonpermanent atrial fibrillation, although it does not significantly reduce AF burden.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Supports structured lifestyle programs to boost QoL in AF; extends prior evidence on separate exercise or weight-loss interventions.
Background: Studies of separate exercise and weight loss interventions have reported improvements in quality of life (QoL) or reduction in atrial fibrillation (AF) burden. We investigated the impact of a structured exercise, nutrition, and risk-factor-modification program on QoL and AF burden. Methods: and nonpermanent AF were randomized to an intervention (n = 41) or control group (n = 40). The intervention consisted of cardiovascular risk management and a 6-month nutrition and exercise program, followed by a 6-month maintenance program. All participants received usual AF care. The primary end-point was QoL at 6 and 12 months. The burden of AF as measured by Holter monitor and Toronto AF symptom score was not significantly changed. Conclusions: A structured exercise and nutrition program resulted in significant sustained improvements in QoL, without reduction in AF burden. This type of program may provide an additional treatment for people with impaired QoL due to AF.
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Bittman et al. (2022) conducted an RCT in Atrial Fibrillation (n=81). Structured exercise, nutrition, and risk-factor-modification program vs. Usual care was evaluated on Quality of life (SF-36 Mental Component Score) at 6 months (p=0.024). A structured exercise and nutrition program significantly improved quality of life compared to usual care in patients with atrial fibrillation, without reducing AF burden.
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