Effect of outpatient exercise training programmes in patients with chronic heart failure: a systematic review

Background: Advantages of outpatient exercise training are reduced waiting lists, better compliance, reduced time investment by the patient with reduced travel expenses, and less dependence on other people to participate. Therefore, this systematic review studies the effects of outpatient exercise training programmes compared with usual care on exercise capacity, exercise performance, quality of life, and safety in patients with chronic heart failure. Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Methods: Randomized controlled trials concerning patients with chronic heart failure, with a left ventricular ejection fraction <= 40%, were included. A meta-analysis was performed. Results: Twenty-two studies were included. VO(2)max, 6-min walking test, and quality of life showed significant differences in favour of the intervention group of 1.85 ml/kg/min, 47.9 m, and 6.9 points, respectively. In none of the studies, a significant relationship was found between exercise training and adverse events. Conclusion: This meta-analysis illustrates the efficacy and safety of outpatient training programmes for patients with chronic heart failure.