Keywords

atrial fibrillation, atrio-ventricular conduction, exercise capacity, exercise training, quality-of-life

 

Authors

  1. Hegbom, Finn MD
  2. Sire, Svein MD
  3. Heldal, Magnus MD, PhD
  4. Orning, Otto M. MD
  5. Stavem, Knut MD, PhD
  6. Gjesdal, Knut MD, PhD

Abstract

PURPOSE: A randomized study was conducted to determine whether short-term exercise training in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) might improve exercise capacity and quality of life (QOL), and influence atrioventricular conduction.

 

METHODS: Atrial fibrillation patients (age 64 +/- 7 years) were randomized to exercise training (n = 15) or a 2-month control period (n = 15) followed by the training program. Twenty-four training sessions consisted of aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening. A cycle ergometer test and a 15-minute resting high-frequency spectral electrocardiogram analysis were performed and a QOL questionnaire (SF-36) was completed before and after training. Because there were no changes after 2 months in the control group, pooled data for all patients are presented before and after training.

 

RESULTS: Cumulated work at Borg scale 17 increased by 41% +/- 36%. Heart rate at rest and after 10 minutes of exercise decreased from 75 +/- 14 to 68 +/- 14 bpm and 145 +/- 19 to 137 +/- 21 bpm, respectively. HF increased from 81 +/- 17 to 91 +/- 22 milliseconds. Four of the 8 scales and 1 of the 2 summary scales of the Short-Form-36 improved. P <.05 for all results.

 

CONCLUSIONS: Exercise capacity, heart rate variability, and QOL improved after 2 months of exercise training in patients with chronic AF. Heart rates at rest and during exercise decreased.