Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia. The proposed patholophysiological mechanisms of AF include abnormal electrical conduction in atrium and sympathovagal imbalance with increased vagal tone. Patients with AF have poor exercise capacity that may contribute to decreased atrial effective refractory period, and decreased cardiac output and heart rate reserve, and may result in poor quality of life. Poor endothelial function had been noted in patients with AF, associated with increased risks of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease. Exercise training has been noted to improve exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with AF only in some studies. Endothelial function can be improved by exercise training in patients with cardiovascular disease, but no report in patients with AF. Evidence of exercise training is still needed in patients with AF. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of exercise training on 1. endothelial function 2. heart rate variability 3. exercise capacity 4. quality of life.
A randomized controlled study was implemented to examine :(1) the effect of interval aerobic exercise training combined with resistance training on endothelial function, heart rate variability (HRV), exercise capacity, and quality of life (QoL); (2) the influential factors related to exercise capacity, and the relationship between exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
58
Exercise group will undergo progressively aerobic exercise training with 40-85% maximal oxygen consumption for 40 minutes, 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks.
National Taiwan University Hospital
Taipei, Taiwan
Change of exercise capacity (after intervention)
To measure maximal oxygen consumption, maximal oxygen pulse, maximal heart rate and blood pressure, cumulated and peak workload by cycle ergometer with Vmax 229 system
Time frame: At baseline and 12 weeks after intervention
Change of heart rate variability (after intervention)
To record ECG by lead V1 with KENZ 170 on supine position for 1 hour
Time frame: At baseline and 12 weeks after intervention
Change values of head up tilt test (after intervention)
Subjects were tilted up 60 degree on tilting table for 15 minutes to record the change of blood pressure and heart rate, and heart rate variability.
Time frame: At baseline and 12 weeks after intervention
Change of endothelial function (after intervention)
To measure dependent-endothelial moulation by flow-mediated dilatation with Sonosite 180 portable ultrasound.
Time frame: At baseline and 12 weeks after intervention
Change of quality of life (after intervention)
To measure quality of life by Short-form 36 and symptom checklist
Time frame: At baseline and 12 weeks after intervention
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