Effectiveness of Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation for children With Left Ventricular Assist Device: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Review question / Objective: Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) has been demonstrated to improve functional capacity in heart failure (HF). However, there are limited data on the effect of EBCR in children with advanced HF and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). This metaanalysis sought to evaluate the effects of EBCR on functional capacity in patients with LVAD. Condition being studied: L eft ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are being increasingly used to support children with advanced heart failure (HF), both as a bridge to recovery and as destination therapy. It is well-known that LVADs improve survival, functional capacity, and quality of life (QOL) in children with advanced HF. However, compared with recipients of heart transplants, many patients with LVADs continue to experience exercise intolerance. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) has been shown to be safe and effective in patients with HF. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation • improves peak oxygen uptake (V o2), functional capacity, and QOL and reduces HF symptoms and hospitalizations. However, there are very limited data on the safety and efficacy of EBCR in child patients with LVADs. We therefore systematically reviewed the literature and performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of EBCR in LVAD child recipients. INPLASY registration number: This protocol was registered with the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (INPLASY) on 30 May 2023 and was last u p d a t e d o n 3 0 M a y 2 0 2 3 ( r e g i s t r a t i o n n u m b e r INPLASY202350112).