Exercise Rehab Eases Irregular Heart Rhythm and Improves Mental Health: Study Finds - Video

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation significantly reduces the severity, frequency, and recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a pooled data analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study also found improvements in patients' exercise capacity and mental health, without any increase in serious side effects or mortality. These findings suggest that exercise-based rehab could be a valuable addition to existing atrial fibrillation treatment strategies.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of irregular heart rhythm, affecting millions globally and increasing the risk of stroke and heart failure. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation, which combines physical training with lifestyle education, medical risk management, and psychological support, is already widely used for heart attack and heart failure patients but has not been included in atrial fibrillation guidelines.

To assess its relevance for atrial fibrillation patients, researchers reviewed 20 randomized clinical trials conducted between 2006 and 2024, involving 2,039 participants from across Europe, Asia, Australia, North and South America, and Russia. Participants, mostly men with varying forms of AF, were followed for an average of 11 months. The interventions ranged from 8 to 24 weeks and included aerobic or combined aerobic and resistance training, with some trials also offering psychological or educational support.

The analysis found that exercise-based rehab led to a 39% reduction in symptom severity, a 43% reduction in frequency, and a 42% reduction in the duration of atrial fibrillation episodes. It also reduced recurrence risk by 32%. While overall mortality and serious side effects remained statistically unchanged, participants in the intervention groups showed significant gains in maximal oxygen intake and mental health scores.

“Collectively, these adaptations provide plausible mechanisms through which [exercise based rehab] not only supports general cardiovascular health and wellbeing but also gives atrial fibrillation specific benefits,” the authors stated. They concluded that “atrial fibrillation management guidelines should reflect this updated evidence base by recommending [exercise based cardiac rehabilitation] alongside drug and ablation therapies for patients with atrial fibrillation.”

Reference: Buckley BJ, Long L, Lane DA, et al

Exercise based cardiac rehabilitation for atrial fibrillation: Cochrane systematic review, meta-analysis, meta-regression and trial sequential analysis

British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 29 July 2025. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-109149