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Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation has been studied in 15 papers since 2021: 9 observational studies in people, 5 reviews; 9 in the past year. The newest paper, Oct 26, 2026: “Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation after stroke and the risk of incident dementia: an observational study from a global federated network”.

Intervention

15 papers study it27 findingsUpdated

7 new papers in 30 daysSee all 15

“From before to after exCR, resting VE decreased and peak P ET CO 2 increased significantly more in LVD compared to noLVD.”
Breathing pattern and pulmonary gas exchange in elderly patients with and without left ventricular dysfunction - modification with exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation and prognostic valuemedRxiv2023doi:10.1101/2023.03.17.23287430

3 of its findings point the other way.

C, W, M, H: cells, worms or flies, mice, humans. Dark: independent labs found the same change there. Light: one lab or one study. Outline: nothing yet.

Labs are independent when their papers share no last author and no institution.

Against: findings that point the other way from most findings on the same outcome.

Company ties: findings with an author at a company, or from a paper whose competing-interests statement declares ties to one.

  • 7 independent labs in 7 countries
  • 3 findings against
  • Funders: European Commission and 6 more
  • 8 of 24 findings with company ties
  • Humans9

What did studies of Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation find?

15

Studies of Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation measured 15 outcomes; the most studied are left ventricular ejection fraction (2 studies), mortality (2) and peak end-expiratory carbon dioxide pressure (2).

Left ventricular ejection fraction

upin humans1no changein humans1

2 studies

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation increases left ventricular ejection fraction in humans (coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus) (MD 5.28, 95% CI 1.72 to 8.85).

    “improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (MD 5.28, 95% CI 1.72 to 8.85; P = 0.004)”

    Reviewcoronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus

    Effects of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for coronary heart disease combined with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

    BMC cardiovascular disorders

  2. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation showed no clear effect on left ventricular ejection fraction in humans (post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement) (MD: 1.31, 95% CI: [-2.06 to 4.69], p = 0.45).

    “Similarly, no significant difference was observed between EBCR and usual care for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) change (MD: 1.31, 95% CI: [-2.06 to 4.69], p = 0.45)”

    Reviewpost-transcatheter aortic valve replacementn = 272

    Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

    Future cardiology

Mortality

downin humans1no changein humans1RR 0.93

2 studies

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation decreases mortality in individuals with CVD.

    “Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) offers a promising approach to improving cardiovascular function, reducing mortality, and enhancing quality of life in individuals with CVD.”

    Reviewin individuals with CVD

    Strategies to Optimize Recovery in Frail Patients With Cardiovascular Disease Through Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation

    Journal of lipid and atherosclerosis

  2. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation showed no clear effect on mortality in humans (short term (up to 12 months' follow-up)) (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.21).

    “There was no evidence of a difference in the short term (up to 12 months' follow-up) in the pooled risk of all-cause mortality when comparing ExCR versus usual care”

    Reviewshort term (up to 12 months' follow-up)up to 12 monthsn = 3,941

    Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for adults with heart failure

    The Cochrane database of systematic reviews

Peak end-expiratory carbon dioxide pressure

upin humans2

2 studies

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation increases peak end-expiratory carbon dioxide pressure in humans (elderly patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction) (significantly more increase).

    “From before to after exCR, resting VE decreased and peak P ET CO 2 increased significantly more in LVD compared to noLVD.”

    Human trialelderly patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunctionn = 818

    Breathing pattern and pulmonary gas exchange in elderly patients with and without left ventricular dysfunction - modification with exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation and prognostic value

    medRxivPreprint

  2. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is linked with higher peak end-expiratory carbon dioxide pressure in humans (left ventricular dysfunction).

    “peak PETCO2 increased significantly more in patients with compared to without LVD.”

    Humansleft ventricular dysfunctionn = 818

    Breathing pattern and pulmonary gas exchange in elderly patients with and without left ventricular dysfunction-modification with exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation and prognostic value

    Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine

More on Peak end-expiratory carbon dioxide pressure

Peak SBP/VO2peak

downin humans1

1 study

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is linked with lower peak SBP/VO2peak in humans (change from cardiac rehabilitation admission to discharge) (−0.65 mmHg per ml·kg−1·min−1 (95% CI, −0.74 to −0.56)).

    “peak SBP/VO2peak decreased by −0.65 mmHg per ml·kg−1·min−1 (95% CI, −0.74 to −0.56; p<0.001)”

    Humanschange from cardiac rehabilitation admission to dischargeoutpatient phase IIthree supervised exercise sessions per week12 weeks23% womensn = 2,560

    Cardiorespiratory fitness-normalized peak exercise systolic blood pressure decreases after cardiac rehabilitation

    ESC Congress 2026 abstract

More on Peak SBP/VO2peak

Peak exercise systolic blood pressure

upin humans1

1 study

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is linked with higher peak exercise systolic blood pressure in humans (change from cardiac rehabilitation admission to discharge) (+8.5 mmHg (95% CI, 7 to 9.5)).

    “peak SBP increased by 8.5 mmHg (95% CI: 7 to 9.5; p<0.001).”

    Humanschange from cardiac rehabilitation admission to dischargeoutpatient phase IIthree supervised exercise sessions per week12 weeks23% womensn = 2,560

    Cardiorespiratory fitness-normalized peak exercise systolic blood pressure decreases after cardiac rehabilitation

    ESC Congress 2026 abstract

More on Peak exercise systolic blood pressure

Peak oxygen uptake

upin humans1

1 study

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is linked with higher peak oxygen uptake in humans (change from cardiac rehabilitation admission to discharge) (+2.33 ml·kg−1·min−1 (95% CI, 2.16 to 2.5)).

    “VO2peak (2.33 ml·kg−1·min−1; 95% CI, 2.16 to 2.5) improved (all p<0.001).”

    Humanschange from cardiac rehabilitation admission to dischargeoutpatient phase IIthree supervised exercise sessions per week12 weeks23% womensn = 2,560

    Cardiorespiratory fitness-normalized peak exercise systolic blood pressure decreases after cardiac rehabilitation

    ESC Congress 2026 abstract

More on Peak oxygen uptake

Quality of life

upin humans1

1 study

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation improves quality of life in humans (clinically stable heart failure).

    “Rehabilitation probably reduces all-cause hospital admission and improves quality of life”

    Reviewclinically stable heart failure

    Exercise Intensity and Delivery in Cardiac Rehabilitation for Heart Failure: From Comparative Efficacy to Achieved Dose and Patient-Centred Implementation

    Preprints.orgPreprint

All-cause hospital admission

downin humans1

1 study

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation decreases all-cause hospital admission in humans (clinically stable heart failure).

    “Rehabilitation probably reduces all-cause hospital admission and improves quality of life”

    Reviewclinically stable heart failure

    Exercise Intensity and Delivery in Cardiac Rehabilitation for Heart Failure: From Comparative Efficacy to Achieved Dose and Patient-Centred Implementation

    Preprints.orgPreprint

Executive function

upin humans1

1 study

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation improves executive function in humans (B = 0.31, 95% CI = [0.14, 0.48], p < 0.001).

    “The executive function composite score improved over time (B = 0.31, 95% CI = [0.14, 0.48], p < 0.001)”

    Human trialin patients with vascular mild cognitive impairment, in both N-acetylcysteine and placebo groups24 weeksn = 59

    Efficacy and safety of N-acetylcysteine in patients with mild cognitive impairment undergoing exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program: a randomized controlled trial

    Alzheimer's research & therapy

6-minute Walk Test performance

upin humans1

1 study

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation improves 6-minute Walk Test performance in humans (coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus).

    “This review suggests ExCR may improve glycolipid metabolism, 6-MWT, and LVEF in patients with both CHD and DM.”

    Reviewcoronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus

    Effects of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for coronary heart disease combined with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

    BMC cardiovascular disorders

Resting ventilation

upin humans1

1 study

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation improves resting ventilation in humans (elderly patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction) (significantly more decrease).

    “From before to after exCR, resting VE decreased and peak P ET CO 2 increased significantly more in LVD compared to noLVD.”

    Human trialelderly patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunctionn = 818

    Breathing pattern and pulmonary gas exchange in elderly patients with and without left ventricular dysfunction - modification with exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation and prognostic value

    medRxivPreprint

All 15

What is Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation linked with?

6

Studies link Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation with 6 measures, most often rehospitalization (1 study), stroke recurrence (1) and mortality (1).

Rehospitalization

downin humans1HR 0.75

1 study

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is associated with rehospitalization in humans After stroke; propensity score–matched analysis (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.73–0.77).

    “EXCR was also associated with reduced stroke recurrence (HR 0.51; 95% CI 0.46–0.56) and fewer rehospitalizations (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.73–0.77).”

    HumansAfter stroke; propensity score–matched analysis5 years

    Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation after stroke and the risk of incident dementia: an observational study from a global federated network

    ESC Congress 2026 abstract

Stroke recurrence

downin humans1HR 0.51

1 study

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is associated with stroke recurrence in humans After stroke; propensity score–matched analysis (HR 0.51; 95% CI 0.46–0.56).

    “EXCR was also associated with reduced stroke recurrence (HR 0.51; 95% CI 0.46–0.56)”

    HumansAfter stroke; propensity score–matched analysis5 years

    Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation after stroke and the risk of incident dementia: an observational study from a global federated network

    ESC Congress 2026 abstract

More on Stroke recurrence

Mortality

downin humans1HR 0.52

1 study

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is associated with mortality in humans After stroke; propensity score–matched analysis (HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.50–0.54).

    “EXCR was associated with a lower 5-year risk of incident dementia (HR 0.68; 95% CI 0.64–0.72) and lower all-cause mortality (HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.50–0.54).”

    HumansAfter stroke; propensity score–matched analysis5 years

    Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation after stroke and the risk of incident dementia: an observational study from a global federated network

    ESC Congress 2026 abstract

Incident dementia

downin humans1HR 0.68

1 study

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is associated with incident dementia in humans After stroke; propensity score–matched analysis (HR 0.68; 95% CI 0.64–0.72).

    “EXCR was associated with a lower 5-year risk of incident dementia (HR 0.68; 95% CI 0.64–0.72)”

    HumansAfter stroke; propensity score–matched analysis5 years

    Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation after stroke and the risk of incident dementia: an observational study from a global federated network

    ESC Congress 2026 abstract

More on Incident dementia

Recurrent stroke

downin humans1HR 0.75

1 study

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is associated with recurrent stroke in humans (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61–0.91).

    “all-cause mortality (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.45-0.55) and recurrent stroke (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.61-0.91)”

    HumansInitiation within 6 months after ischemic stroke or TIA, compared with no documented post-index EXCR5 years

    Cardiac rehab after stroke linked to lower dementia risk

    European stroke journal

More on Recurrent stroke

All-cause hospital admission

downin humans1RR 0.69

1 study

  1. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation lowers the risk of all-cause hospital admission in humans (short term) (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.86).

    “Participation in ExCR versus usual care likely reduced the risk of all-cause hospital admissions (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.86; absolute effects 15.9% versus 23.8%”

    Reviewshort termn = 2,283

    Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for adults with heart failure

    The Cochrane database of systematic reviews

Latest

Dec 2025: 0Jan 2026: 0Feb 2026: 1Mar 2026: 1Apr 2026: 0May 2026: 0Jun 2026: 0Jul 2026: 0Aug 2026: 0Sep 2026: 0Oct 2026: 7Nov 2026: 09 papers in 12 months
European Stroke Journal

Cardiac rehab after stroke linked to lower dementia risk

Over five years, exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation was linked to a lower rate of new dementia diagnoses than no documented cardiac rehabilitation (hazard ratio 0.70).Over five years, exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation was linked to a lower rate of new dementia diagnoses than no documented cardiac rehabilitation (hazard ratio 0.70).

Cohort studyIncident dementia
Paper

See all 15

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