Abstract
Background: This systematic review sought to evaluate critically the health benefits of physical activity among persons with atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is increasing in Western society. While health benefits of physical activity are well established, benefits of physical activity among individuals with AF are not clearly identified. Methods: Literature was retrieved systematically through searching electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane), cross-referencing, and drawing on the authors' knowledge. Identified original research articles evaluated health benefits of physical activity among persons with AF or effects of physical activity on AF incidence. From 1056 individual citations, 36 eligible articles were identified. Results: Moderate-intensity physical activity was found to improve exercise capacity, quality of life, and the ability to carry out activities of daily living among persons with AF (n = 6). Increased incidence of AF was not associated with physical activity among the general population (n = 2), although long-term vigorous endurance exercise may be associated with increased incidence of AF (n = 7), and greater risks may be associated with high-intensity physical activity among those with AF (n = 2). Moderate-intensity physical activity among individuals with AF does not adversely alter training outcomes, functional capacity, morbidity, or mortality compared with those in sinus rhythm (n = 12). Physical activity may improve management and treatment of AF (n = 6) and, among at-risk populations, may reduce incidence of AF (n = 3). Conclusions: In conclusion, moderate-intensity physical activity should be encouraged among persons with or at risk of AF. Further research is needed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 483-491 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Canadian Journal of Cardiology |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Apr 2013 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This research was supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR), and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Dr Warburton was supported by a CIHR New Investigator Award and an MSFHR Clinical Scholar Award. The systematic review was conducted by the Systematic Reviews Laboratory at the University of British Columbia, under the direction and funding of Dr Shannon Bredin.
Funding Information:
This research was supported by the Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation, by an Unrestricted Educational Funding Grant from Boehringer-Ingelheim Canada Ltd , and via funding from the Systematic Reviews Research Unit at the University of British Columbia.
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
PubMed: MeSH publication types
- Journal Article
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Review
- Systematic Review