Effects of moderate-intensity continuous training on aerobic capacity in patients with heart failure

Abstract

Objective: to determine the influence of moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) and the effects of its prescription elements (frequency, intensity, type, time) on aerobic capacity in patients with heart failure (HF).

Method: We conducted a review of systematic reviews and Meta-analyzes in PubMed and Web of Science up to March 1, 2020. The 'Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2' (AMSTAR-2) tool was used to assess the quality of the studies.

Results: 4764 articles were identified, of which 3 were selected for this review. 94 interventions with 12282 patients (mean age range = 49-81 years) with HF were examined. Two studies had a high level of confidence and 1 study reported a low level of confidence (AMSTAR-2). The MICT showed significant improvements on aerobic capacity in patients with heart failure. MICT with intensity between 60-85% VO2peak, a session time between 35-60 minutes, weekly energy expenditure greater than 450 kcal and a total energy expenditure of 2548 J.kg-1 reported the greatest improvements in aerobic capacity of this population.

Conclusions: Energy expenditure is the main determinant of improvements in the aerobic capacity of this population and the recommendations for physical exercise in patients with HF should be based on this element. More studies are needed to allow consistent conclusions about the effects of ECMI characteristics in patients with HF.