Physiotherapist-led Exercise Within Cardiac Rehabilitation and Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and COVID-19.

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) induce, in the affected patient, a prominent negative effect on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and physical fitness. The health care utilisation is high and the patient does never know when the next attack of atrial fibrillation occurs. Therefore, is physical exertion often avoided due to fear of new attacks. Further, are shortness of breath and fatigue often present despite of prescribed modern drugs. Paroxysmal AF per se enhance markedly the risk to develop stroke and heart failure, which both are syndromes that cause further negative effect on the patient´s HR-QoL and physical fitness. Altogether, cause the symptoms in paroxysmal AF a vicious spiral where both VO2max and muscle function deteriorate. The problems with shortness of breath might be due to dysfunction in respiratory muscles. Physiotherapy led exercise within cardiac rehabilitation (PT-X) in combination with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has shown positive effects in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. However, to our knowledge, not yet investigated in patients with paroxysmal AF. Aim: Primary to investigate, in a multicentre randomised controlled trial, if PT-X in combination with IMT can impact HR-QoL in patients with paroxysmal AF. Secondary to investigate the effect of PT-X in combination with IMT regarding symptoms, physical fitness, physical activity and the number of atrial fibrillation attacks and health care costs compared to the control group, asked to live their usual life, during the study period. Expected outcome: PTX in combination with IMT can improve HR-QoL, respiratory muscle function, level of symptoms, physical fitness and physical activity in patients with paroxysmal AF. In addition, a reduced number of atrial fibrillation attacks could decrease the direct cost of health care.