Clinical Scorecard: Comparative Analysis of Exercise Types and Their Impact on LVEF Enhancement in Heart Failure Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• Resistance training (RT) showed the largest treatment effect on LVEF improvement.
• High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and combined exercise (CE) also significantly improved LVEF.
• The minimum effective dose for LVEF improvement is 280 MET-minutes/week.
• Optimal dosage range for LVEF enhancement is 500–800 MET-minutes/week.
• Evidence certainty varied from very low to moderate across comparisons.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as a key parameter for heart failure severity.

Management

• Incorporate exercise rehabilitation as a standard care component for heart failure patients.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Regularly evaluate LVEF and exercise tolerance in heart failure patients undergoing rehabilitation.

Risks

• Consider individual patient capabilities and potential risks associated with different exercise modalities.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Adult heart failure patients participating in randomized controlled trials.

Resistance training is the most effective modality, particularly at low-to-moderate doses.

Clinical Best Practices

• Utilize a precision-based rehabilitation strategy centered on resistance training.
• Monitor exercise dosage to optimize cardiac function improvements.

Related Resources & Content

• Systematic Review Registration