The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on N-terminal Pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide and Cardiopulmonary Function in Patients With Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials

Abstract

Background: Aerobic exercise (AEx) improves outcomes in heart failure (HF). N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) is a prognosticator in HF. There are few data on the association of AEx, NT-pro-BNP, and cardiopulmonary function; hence, robust evidence is needed. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of AEx on NT-pro-BNP levels and cardiopulmonary function in HF.

Method: Databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane Central Registry, and Scopus) were systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the association of AEx with NT-pro-BNP and cardiopulmonary function (VE/VCO₂ slope, peak VO₂, maximal workload, and left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]) in HF. RevMan 5.3 (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, 2014) was used to produce forest plots, and the random-effect model was applied with the effects measure of weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: Thirteen (13) RCTs recruited 1,503 patients and 1,494 controls. Aerobic exercise was significant in lowering NT-pro-BNP (pg/mL) compared with control group (WMD=-741.69, 95% CI -993.10 to -490.27 [p<0.00001; I²=63%]). VE/VCO₂ slope was also significantly reduced (WMD=-3.57, 95% CI -6.48 to -0.67 [p=0.02; I²=97%]). Peak VO₂ (mL/kg/min) significantly improved (WMD=3.68, 95% CI 2.39-4.96 [p<0.00001; I²=96%]). Maximal workload (watt) significantly increased following AEx (WMD=22.80, 95% CI 18.44-27.17 [p<0.00001; I²=78%]). Furthermore, there was a significant enhancement of LVEF (%) in the AEx group (WMD=2.42, 95% CI 0.64-4.19 [p=0.008; I²=71%]).

Conclusions: Aerobic exercise improves the NT-pro-BNP, ventilatory efficiency, aerobic capacity, maximal workload, and the left ventricular function in patients with HF.

Keywords: Aerobic exercise; Cardiopulmonary function; Heart failure; NT-pro-BNP.