Exercise training for patients with heart failure: A systematic review of factors that improve mortality and morbidity

Abstract

Purpose To determine the efficacy of exercise training and its effects on outcomes in patients with heart failure. Methods MEDLINE, Medscape, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry were searched for trials of exercise training in heart failure patients. Data relating to training protocol, exercise capacity, and outcome measures were extracted and reviewed. Results A total of 81 studies were identified: 30 randomized controlled trials, five nonrandomized controlled trials, nine randomized crossover trials, and 37 longitudinal cohort studies. Exercise training was performed in 2387 patients. The average increment in peak oxygen consumption was 17% in 57 studies that measured oxygen consum..