Functional capacity and quality of life in cardiovascular rehabilitation for atrial fibrillation: A narrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v27i9.1321Keywords:
Atrial Fibrillation; Cardiac Rehabilitation; Exercise Therapy; Quality of Life; Cardiorespiratory Fitness.Abstract
Introduction: Atrial fibrillation can impair functional capacity and quality of life despite clinical treatment. Objective: To analyze the effects of cardiovascular rehabilitation on these outcomes in adults with atrial fibrillation, considering recurrence, arrhythmia burden, mortality, hospitalizations, and safety as complementary outcomes. Methods: A narrative review used searches in PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS between September and October 2026, supplemented by guidelines and reference tracking. Randomized trials, systematic reviews, and recent guidelines were prioritized; earlier studies were retained for their contributions to measurement, instruments, and intervention follow-up. The synthesis distinguished clinical phenotypes, interventions, and outcomes. Results: Twenty-eight publications were included. Exercise programs improved cardiorespiratory fitness and, in some studies, symptoms and quality of life. A Cochrane review included 20 trials and 2,039 participants, identifying reduced atrial fibrillation recurrence and improvement in the mental component of quality of life, with uncertainty for other outcomes. After ablation, functional capacity improved, whereas effects on recurrence varied according to intervention and comparator. High-intensity interval training did not demonstrate superiority over conventional rehabilitation in the comparative trial analyzed. Heterogeneity, selected samples, and short follow-up limited generalizability. Conclusion: Cardiovascular rehabilitation can improve functional capacity and certain aspects of quality of life. Uncertainty remains regarding post-ablation recurrence, mortality, hospitalizations, and safety. Individual assessment and monitoring are clinical implications of the synthesis, rather than a care model validated through comparative testing.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rafael Viana dos Santos Coutinho, Lívia Maria Lima Leão, Ana Karolina Moreira Rosa, Gisely Freitas Garcia, Maria Fernanda Viana Garcia (Autor)
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