Approaches to improving exercise capacity in patients with left ventricular assist devices: an area requiring further investigation

Introduction: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation has become a well-established treatment option for patients with end stage heart failure (HF) who are refractory to medical therapy. While LVADs implantation does effectively improve hemodynamic performance many patients still possess peripheral pathological adaptations often present in end-stage HF. Therefore, increased attention has been placed on investigating the effects of exercise training for patients with LVADs to improve clinical outcomes. However, the available evidence on exercise training for patients with LVADs is limited.Areas covered: The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize: 1) The evolution of LVAD technology and usage; 2) The physiological responses to exercise in patients with LVADs; 3) The available evidence regarding exercise training; 4) Potential strategies to implement exercise training programs for this patient population.Expert opinion: The available evidence for exercise training to improve physical function and clinical outcomes for patients with LVADs is promising but limited. Future research is needed to further elucidate the ideal exercise training parameters, method of delivery for exercise training, and unique barriers and facilitators to exercise training for patients receiving LVAD implantation.