Physical Activity Improve Health-Related Quality of Life, 6MWT, and VO2 peak before and during COVID-19 in Patients with Heart Failure: A Meta-analysis

Objective: To compare the effects of physical activity on improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL), six minutes walking test (6MWT), and oxygen consumption (VO2) peak before and during Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in patients with heart failure. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched for relevant articles from five databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro, Cochrane, and additional resources. Study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institution (JBI). RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. Result: Fifteen randomized controlled trial studies met the criteria. Analysis of the subgroup before COVID-19 showed that PA had a significant effect on HRQOL, as measured by MLHFQ (SDM: -0.27, 95% CI: -0.47 to -0.07, n = 590), KCCQ (SDM: 2.10, 95% CI: 0.74 to 3.46, n = 53), 6MWT (SMD: 1.63, 95% CI: 0.80 to 2.46, n = 284), and VO2 peak (SMD: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.00 to 1.93, n = 106). Analysis of the subgroup during COVID-19 showed that PA resulted in a significant effect on HRQOL, MLHFQ (SDM: -0.62, 95% CI: -1.32 to 0.09, n = 221), KCCQ (SDM: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.50, n = 486), 6MWT (SMD: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.73, n = 493), and VO2 peak (SMD: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.60, n = 325). Conclusion: The PA could increase HRQOL, 6MWT, and VO2 peak before and during COVID-19, and therefore should be considered as part of daily activities for patients with HF.