Moderate-to-Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity and Sitting Time in Atrial Fibrillation

In the CHAMPLAIN-AF trial, Canadian researchers evaluated time spent completing moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sitting time (ST) among adults with various types of atrial fibrillation (AF). According to the primary investigator, Kimberley L. Way, AEP, PhD, many of these patients did not meet recommendations for MVPA, “which may be due to lack of physical activity knowledge.”

The study’s article, published in CJC Open, described that the observational study was conducted in the Champlain region of Ontario, Canada. A total of 619 patients with paroxysmal, persistent, long-standing persistent, or permanent AF completed the Short-Form International Physical Activity Questionnaire over the survey period.

Moderate-to-Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity Atrial Fibrillation Findings

Reportedly, the median MVPA and ST were 100 minutes per week (range: 60–120) and 6 hours per day (range: 5–6), respectively, and 56% of the patients “were not meeting the Canadian 24H Movement Guidelines,” the authors noted. Additionally, the researchers found that most patients (56%) were unsure or did not know of the MVPA recommendations, “yet 72% thought physical activity should be part of AF management.”

Higher levels of MVPA were positively correlated with a greater incidence of “speaking to a healthcare professional about engaging in physical activity for managing AF (ρ = 0.108; p = 0.017); greater confidence regarding ability to perform physical activity and muscle-strengthening exercise (ρ = 0.421; p <0.01); and patient agreement that AF would be better managed if they were active (ρ = 0.205; p <0.01).”

Overall, Dr. Way and colleagues suggested that “exercise professionals may help educate patients on the benefits of physical activity, improve task-self efficacy, and integrate MVPA into patient lifestyles.”

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