Measurement of physical performance by field tests in programs of cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The literature concerning the effects of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on field tests results is inconsistent.

PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis on field tests results after programs of CR.

METHODS: Studies published in PubMed and Web of Science databases until May 2016 were analyzed. The standard difference in means correct by bias (Hedges' g) was used as effect size (g) to measure que amount of modifications in performance of field tests after CR period. Potential differences between subgroups were analyzed by Q-test based on ANOVA.

RESULTS: Fifteen studies published between 1996 e 2016 were included in the review, 932 patients and age ranged 54,4 - 75,3 years old. Fourteen studies used the six-minutes walking test to evaluate the exercise capacity and one study used the Shuttle Walk Test. The random Hedges's g was 0.617 (P<0.001), representing a drop of 20% in the performance of field test after CR. The meta-regression showed significantly association (P=0.01) to aerobic exercise duration, i.e., for each 1-min increase in aerobic exercise duration, there is a 0.02 increase in effect size for performance in the field test.

CONCLUSION: Field tests can detect physical modification after CR, and the large duration of aerobic exercise during CR was associated with a better result.