Table 1.
Characteristics of studies included in meta-analysis
| Study | Location | No in groups (training, control) | Duration of training programme (days) | Mean (SD) duration of follow up (days) | Description of training programme | Intensity of programme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belardinelli et al, 19994 | Italy | 50, 49 | 420 | 1144 (461) | Supervised cycling, 60 minutes three days a week for eight weeks, then two days a week | 60% peak oxygen consumption |
| Dubach et al 19979,10 | Switzerland | 24, 26 | 56 | 261 (106) | Supervised walking, two hours daily; supervised cycling 40 minutes four days a week | 80% peak oxygen consumption |
| Giannuzzi et al, 199711 | Italy | 46, 42 | 168 | 206 (35) | Supervised cycling, 30 minutes three days a week for two months, then home based 30 minutes for three days a week and walking for 30 minutes | 80% peak heart rate |
| Hambrecht et al, 199512 | Germany | 34, 35 | 168 | 159 (22) | Supervised and home based walking, calisthenics, cycling 40-60 minutes a day | 70% peak oxygen consumption |
| Kiilavuori et al, 200013 | Finland | 12, 15 | 182 | 2284 (1213) | Supervised cycling 30 minutes three days a week for three months, then home based training (walking, cycling, rowing, and swimming) | 50-60% peak oxygen consumption |
| McKelvie et al, 20022 | Canada | 90, 91 | 364 | 557 (219) | Supervised aerobic (cycling, treadmill, arm) and resistance training 30 minutes three days a week for three months, then home based aerobic training three days a week | 60-70% peak heart rate |
| Zanelli et al, 199714 | Italy | 76, 79 | 364 | 304 (140) | Supervised aerobic (cycling, treadmill, arm) and resistance training 30 minutes two days a week and home based cycling three days a week for two months, then only home based aerobic training five days a week | 70% peak oxygen consumption |
| Wielenga et al, 199915 | Netherlands | 41, 39 | 84 | 1440 (917) | Supervised cycling, walking, ball game 30 minutes three days a week for eight weeks, then two days a week | 60% peak heart rate |
| Willenheimer et al, 199816 | Sweden | 22, 30 | 112 | 1623 (797) | Supervised interval cycling training (90 second exercise and 30 second rest) for 15-45 minutes two days a week | 80% peak oxygen consumption or grade 15 Borg scale |
| Total | 395, 406 | 213 (135) | 705 (729) |