Physical Activity and Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation - Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: The relationship between exercise and atrial fibrillation (AF) is controversial. Objectives: To analyze the effects of physical activity on the incidence of atrial fibrillation using systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that relate physical exercise and atrial fibrillation. The following databases were searched: PubMed, BVS Saúde and Cochrane. The following descriptors were used: "atrial fibrillation", "exercise", "physical activity" and "exercise therapy". All prospective, retrospective, cross-sectional and cohort studies were investigated. All statistical analyzes were provided using Review Manager 5.3 to provide the mean difference (MD) and relative risk (RR) ratio with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The statistical method of heterogeneity index was used to assess heterogeneity. Level of significance was 5%. Results: Combined analysis of 11 studies totaling 276,323 participants aged between 12 and 90 years did not suggest a significant increase in AF in individuals submitted to physical exercise (RR = 0.914, 95% CI = 0.833-1.003, heterogeneity: p < 0.001). Conclusions: Physical exercise, lato sensu, without stratification by intensity, sex or age does not seem to be associated with an increase of atrial fibrillation.

Physical Activity, Exercise and Sport: A Five-Star Path for a Better Cardiovascular Health

“…Moving to original papers, there are a total of seven studies that range from relevant aspects of cardiopulmonary exercise testing, an area where Brazilian researchers have made important contributions to the literature, to a timely systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of regular physical activity on the incidence of atrial fibrillation. 12 The readers will certainly find new and high quality scientific information. Two of these papers make very useful and practical contributions to those working with exercise in their daily practice.…”