Tailored exercise program shown to reduce atrial fibrillation burden
An exercise program combining short-term supervision with long-term home-based exercise was associated with reduced atrial fibrillation burden and other meaningful benefits, according to results presented in a Hot Line session at ESC Congress 2026.
A one-year exercise program demonstrated significant benefits for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a study presented at ESC Congress 2026. Led by Dr. Bjarne Nes from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, the NEXAF trial found that structured exercise reduced AF burden by 45% compared to traditional care.
The hybrid approach combined supervised high-intensity sessions with long-term home-based monitoring, using smartwatches and web platforms. While AF-specific quality of life remained unchanged, improvements were seen in cardiorespiratory fitness and lower total and AF-related hospitalizations. Despite recommendations, only about 10% of eligible patients receive exercise-based rehabilitation, highlighting a gap in care.
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