A systematic review and meta-analysis of Nordic walking for chronic heart failure with low left ventricular ejection fraction.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether Nordic walking improves function in patients with heart failure (HF) with low left ventricular ejection fraction more than conventional cardiac rehabilitation or usual care.
Results Summary
The study found that Nordic walking was associated with increased peak VO₂ and improved functional capacity in patients with chronic HF, particularly those with systolic dysfunction. The meta-analysis of four RCTs showed pooled benefits compared to conventional rehabilitation or usual care.
Population
Patients with chronic heart failure and low left ventricular ejection fraction (systolic dysfunction).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nordic walking (NW) | increase | function | patients with heart failure (HF) with low left ventricular ejection fraction | - | improves | #1 |
Nordic walking (NW) | increase | peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) | patients with chronic HF | - | improved | #2 |
Nordic walking (NW) | increase | 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance | patients with chronic HF | - | improved | #3 |
Nordic walking (NW) | increase | quality of life (QoL) | patients with chronic HF | - | improved | #4 |
BACKGROUND: Nordic walking (NW) has been reported to be beneficial in various chronic diseases. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether NW improves function in patients with heart failure (HF) with low left ventricular ejection fraction more than conventional cardiac rehabilitation or usual care. METHODS: Systematic literature searches in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science were conducted. According to patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) principles, a stepwise selection process was completed to identify eligible studies. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Pooled effects were determined using a random effect analysis model for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 282 participants from four RCTs were included. The improvement of peak oxygen consumption (peak VO CONCLUSION: This systematic review highlights the benefits of NW training in patients with chronic HF, particularly those with systolic dysfunction. Specifically, NW walking was associated with increased peak VO