Background
There are limited data on the effect of exercise interventions on the recurrence and symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AF).
Goals
The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an exercise and physical activity intervention on AF burden and symptoms in patients with symptomatic AF.
Methods
This prospective, randomized, controlled trial included 120 patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF, randomized 1:1 to receive an exercise intervention, combining home and supervised aerobic exercise for 6 months, or to receive usual care.
The co-primary outcomes were: 1) AF recurrence, without antiarrhythmic medication and without catheter ablation; and 2) symptom severity assessed using a validated questionnaire.
Results
At 12 months , freedom from AF was achieved in 24 (40%) of 60 patients in the exercise group and 12 (20%) of 60 patients in the control group (HR, 0.50; 95% CI). %: 0.33 to 0.78).
At 6 months , AF symptom severity was lower in the exercise group compared to the control group (mean difference –2.3, 95% CI –4.3 to –0.2; P = 0.033). This difference persisted at 12 months (-2.3, 95% CI -4.5 to -0.1, P = 0.041).
Total symptom burden was lower at 6 months in the exercise group, but not at 12 months. Peak oxygen consumption increased in the exercise group at both 6 and 12 months.
There were no differences between the groups in cardiac structure or function, body mass index, or blood pressure.
Conclusions Participation in an exercise-based intervention for 6 months reduced arrhythmia recurrence and improved symptom severity among patients with AF. |
(A lifestyle-based physical activity intervention for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation [ACTIVE-AF study]; ACTRN12615000734561)
