McMasterLogo_New-2017-300x165
Back
Evidence Summary

What is an Evidence Summary?

Key messages from scientific research that's ready to be acted on

Got It, Hide this
  • Rating:

Exercise therapy improves quality of life and physical function in chronic heart failure

Palmer K, Bowles KA, Paton M, et al. Chronic Heart Failure and Exercise Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2018;99:2570-82.

Review question

In people who have chronic heart failure, does exercise improve their symptoms?

Background

People with chronic heart failure have hearts that are too weak or damaged to move their blood efficiently. This can lead to fatigue, lung congestion, shortness of breath, poor quality of life, and reduced ability to function.

How the review was done

40 studies (27 randomized controlled trials) were published up to July 2017.

The studies included 5411 adults.

The key features of the studies were:

  • people were mostly men (73%), average age 62 years, who had chronic heart failure with no recent worsening of symptoms;
  • exercise therapy occurred in outpatient or community settings and usually involved aerobic exercise and/or strength training, although 2 studies assessed therapy pools (studies of dance, yoga, and tai chi were excluded);
  • exercise sessions were 10 to 60 minutes long and occurred 2 to 5 times per week;
  • exercise therapy was compared with no exercise or usual care; and
  • studies lasted from 8 weeks to 10 years.

What the researchers found

Exercise therapy improved quality of life and physical function compared with no exercise or usual care.

Conclusion

In people who have chronic heart failure, exercise improves quality of life and physical function.

Exercise therapy vs control (no exercise or usual care) in patients with chronic heart failure

Outcomes

Number of trials and people

Change in outcome with exercise compared with control*

Quality of life

32 studies (3753 people)

Large improvement with exercise compared with control.

Physical function

18 studies (3437 people)

Large improvement with exercise compared with control.

*Based on standard mean differences (SMD); very small = less than 0.2 SMD, small = 0.2 to 0.49 SMD, medium = 0.5 to 0.79 SMD, large = 0.8 to more SMD.



Related Topics


Glossary

Randomized controlled trials
Studies where people are assigned to one of the treatments purely by chance.

Related Web Resources

  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

    Mayo Clinic
    Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that hinders the flow of blood to your limbs. The arms and legs are common sites of impact. Cramping in your hips, thighs, or calves following physical activity, leg pain and numbness, hair loss, slow growing toenails, and changes in your leg colour are some of the many symptoms of PAD. Connect with your health care provider if you are experiencing symptoms of PAD or if you have no symptoms but are over 65, over 50 with a history of smoking or diabetes, or under 50 and have PAD risk factors (e.g., hypertension and diabetes), as you may need to be screened.
  • Stroke Prevention: Should I Have a Carotid Artery Procedure?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps people who have had a mild (or moderate) stroke or one or more TIAs in the past 6 months and narrowing in your carotid artery decide on whether or not to have a carotid artery procedure by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Varicose Veins: Should I Have a Surgical Procedure?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps people with varicose veins decide on whether or not to have a surgical procedure by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. It also includes alternative options like home care.
DISCLAIMER These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).

Register for free access to all Professional content

Register