Key result
Exercise improves 6-minute walk capacity and cardiopulmonary function in patients with AF.
Why the study?
Atrial fibrillation significantly impairs cardiopulmonary function and quality of life, and the effects of exercise interventions on these outcomes require systematic evaluation.
Does exercise intervention improve exercise capacity and cardiopulmonary function in patients with atrial fibrillation?
Meta-Analysis (n=287)
Does exercise intervention improve exercise capacity and cardiopulmonary function in patients with atrial fibrillation?
Standardized Mean Difference: 87.87 (95% CI 42.23–133.51)
Exercise interventions, particularly high-intensity training, significantly improve exercise capacity, cardiopulmonary function, and quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Supports exercise training in atrial fibrillation management; confirms functional and cardiopulmonary gains from pooled randomized data.
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that significantly impacts the cardiopulmonary function and quality of life of patients. Despite various treatment strategies, non-pharmacological interventions, particularly exercise interventions, have gained attention in recent years. Objective Through systematic review and meta-analysis, this study explores the impact of physical activity on the exercise capacity and quality of life of AF patients. It assesses the safety, clinical outcomes, and physiological mechanisms of exercise intervention in the treatment of AF. Methods The systematic review and individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis method were employed, following the PRISMA-IPD guidelines, for literature selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. The analysis focused on the impact of exercise on the cardiopulmonary function and quality of life of AF patients in randomized controlled trials. Results A total of 12 randomized controlled trials involving 287 AF patients were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in the 6-minute walk test capacity (SMD = 87.87, 95% CI [42.23, 133.51]), static heart rate improvement (SMD = −7.63, 95% CI [−11.42, −3.85]), and cardiopulmonary function enhancement (SMD = 2.37, 95% CI [0.96, 3.77]) due to exercise. There was also a significant improvement in the quality of life (SMD = 0.720, 95% CI [0.038, 1.402]). Conclusion Exercise has a significant effect on improving exercise capacity and cardiopulmonary function in patients with atrial fibrillation. Particularly, high-intensity exercise training has a more significant impact on improving cardiopulmonary function and exercise capacity, emphasizing the importance of personalized exercise plans in enhancing the cardiopulmonary health of AF patients. Further research is needed to explore the effects of exercise on improving the quality of life in the future. PROSPERO ID: CRD2023493917.
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Zhang et al. (2025) conducted a meta-analysis in Atrial fibrillation (n=287). Exercise intervention vs. Control was evaluated on 6-minute walk test capacity (SMD 87.87, 95% CI 42.23, 133.51). Exercise intervention significantly improved 6-minute walk test capacity (SMD 87.87; 95% CI 42.23-133.51) and cardiopulmonary function in patients with atrial fibrillation.
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