Moderate physical exercise: a simplified approach for ventricular rate control in older patients with atrial fibrillation.

Aims: This prospective pilot-study was performed to assess whether regular moderate physical activity elevates the parasympathetic tone to the atrio-ventricular node and decreases VR during permanent AF.

Background: Adequate ventricular rate (VR) control in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) is not easy to accomplish.

Methods: 10 patients (mean age 59 +/- 10 years) with permanent AF (duration: 10 +/- 8 years) underwent moderate physical exercise adjusted to their individual physical capability (45 min walking/jogging twice a week).