Randomized trial of an internet-based computer-tailored expert system for physical activity in patients with heart disease.

Background: The CardioFit Internet-based expert system was designed to promote physical activity in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) who were not participating in cardiac rehabilitation.

Design: This randomized controlled trial compared CardioFit to usual care to assess its effects on physical activity following hospitalization for acute coronary syndromes.

Methods: A total of 223 participants were recruited at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute or London Health Sciences Centre and randomly assigned to either CardioFit (n = 115) or usual care (n = 108).

Understanding physical activity during home-based cardiac rehabilitation from multiple theoretical perspectives.

Objective: : Previous studies have shown that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels during home-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) have been problematic. Consequently, the present study examined the utility of the theory of planned behavior, protection motivation theory, and social cognitive theory in explaining physical activity (PA) during a Canadian home-based CR program.

Methods: : Patients (N = 280, mean age 62.

Motivational counselling for physical activity in patients with coronary artery disease not participating in cardiac rehabilitation.

Background: Many patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) fail to attend cardiac rehabilitation following acute coronary events because they lack motivation to exercise. Theory-based approaches to promote physical activity among non-participants in cardiac rehabilitation are required.

Design: A randomized trial comparing physical activity levels at baseline, 6, and 12 months between a motivational counselling (MC) intervention group and a usual care (UC) control group.

Gender differences in satisfaction with life in patients with coronary heart disease: physical activity as a possible mediating factor.

The objective of the present study was to examine if time varying, mediating effect of physical activity plays an important role in the gender-satisfaction with life relationship. Six hundred four male and 197 female patients were included. Principal outcomes of interest were self-report satisfaction with life and physical activity at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months.

Demographic and clinical determinants of moderate to vigorous physical activity during home-based cardiac rehabilitation: the home-based determinants of exercise (HOME) study.

Purpose: Little is known concerning moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels in patients attending home-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs and whether demographic/clinical characteristics moderate these levels.

Methods: Patients (N = 280, 77 female) who were referred to home-based CR, mainly because of myocardial infarction (34%), coronary artery bypass graft (17%), and percutaneous coronary intervention/ stent/atherectomy (32%), completed a questionnaire assessing demographic and clinical characteristics as well as MVPA, measured at the beginning and end of a 3-month home-based CR program. Charts were reviewed for blood work, blood pressure, stress tests, and diagnosis.

Does protection motivation theory explain exercise intentions and behavior during home-based cardiac rehabilitation?

Objective: Home-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs have been shown to be effective in increasing exercise capacity, which is a significant predictor of longevity for patients with heart disease. However, adherence to these programs has been problematic. Therefore, it is important to identify key theoretical correlates of exercise for these patients that can be used to inform the development of behavioral interventions to help tackle the adherence problem.

Who will be active? Predicting exercise stage transitions after hospitalization for coronary artery disease.

We describe transitions between exercise stages of change in people with coronary artery disease (CAD) over a 6-month period following a CAD-related hospitalization and evaluate constructs from Protection Motivation Theory, Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, the Ecological Model, and participation in cardiac rehabilitation as correlates of stage transition. Seven hundred eighty-two adults hospitalized with CAD were recruited and administered a baseline survey including assessments of theory-based constructs and exercise stage of change. Mailed surveys were used to gather information concerning exercise stage of change and participation in cardiac rehabilitation 6 months later.

Correlates of physical activity change in patients not attending cardiac rehabilitation.

Objective: Limited research has identified theoretical correlates of physical activity (PA) change in patients not receiving cardiac rehabilitation. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether changes in self-efficacy, PA intention, perceived severity and susceptibility, and PA benefits/barriers were associated with changes in PA over a 12-month period in these patients.

Methods: Patients (N = 555) not attending cardiac rehabilitation completed a psychosocial questionnaire in hospital and 6 and 12 months after hospitalization for a cardiac event.

Determinants of physical activity after hospitalization for coronary artery disease: the Tracking Exercise After Cardiac Hospitalization (TEACH) Study.

Background: Little is known about physical activity levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who are not engaged in cardiac rehabilitation. We explored the trajectory of physical activity after hospitalization for CAD, and examined the effects of demographic, medical, and activity-related factors on the trajectory.

Design: A prospective cohort study.