Aerobic exercise (AEx) improves outcomes in heart failure (HF). N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) is a prognosticator in HF. There are few data on the association of AEx, NT-pro-BNP, and cardiopulmonary function; hence, robust evidence is needed. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of AEx on NT-pro-BNP levels and cardiopulmonary function in HF.

Databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane Central Registry, and Scopus) were systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the association of AEx with NT-pro-BNP and cardiopulmonary function (VE/VCO₂ slope, peak VO₂, maximal workload, and left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]) in HF. RevMan 5.3 (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, 2014) was used to produce forest plots, and the random-effect model was applied with the effects measure of weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Thirteen (13) RCTs recruited 1,503 patients and 1,494 controls. Aerobic exercise was significant in lowering NT-pro-BNP (pg/mL) compared with control group (WMD=−741.69, 95% CI −993.10 to −490.27 [p<0.00001; I²=63%]). VE/VCO₂ slope was also significantly reduced (WMD=−3.57, 95% CI −6.48 to −0.67 [p=0.02; I²=97%]). Peak VO₂ (mL/kg/min) significantly improved (WMD=3.68, 95% CI 2.39–4.96 [p<0.00001; I²=96%]). Maximal workload (watt) significantly increased following AEx (WMD=22.80, 95% CI 18.44–27.17 [p<0.00001; I²=78%]). Furthermore, there was a significant enhancement of LVEF (%) in the AEx group (WMD=2.42, 95% CI 0.64–4.19 [p=0.008; I²=71%]).

Aerobic exercise improves the NT-pro-BNP, ventilatory efficiency, aerobic capacity, maximal workload, and the left ventricular function in patients with HF.