Understanding physical activity and exercise behaviors in patients with heart failure

Abstract Objective Explore perceptions of physical activity/exercise in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). Background Although activity/exercise are HF self-care expectations, perceptions of patients are not well understood. Methods Ambulatory adults with HF were interviewed. Data were transc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Heart & lung 2015-01, Vol.44 (1), p.2-8
Main Authors: Albert, Nancy M., PhD, RN, CCNS, CHFN, CCRN, NE-BC, Forney, Jennifer, MSN, RN, Slifcak, Ellen, BA, RN, Sorrell, Jeanne, PhD, RN
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adherence
Aged
Barriers
Benefits
Cardiovascular
Chronic Disease
Confidence
Critical Care
Cross-Sectional Studies
Emotions
Exercise
Exercise - psychology
Expectations
Fear - psychology
Female
Heart failure
Heart Failure - psychology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Motivation
Perception
Perceptions
Pulmonary/Respiratory
Self Care - psychology
Self Concept
Social Support
Value
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Summary:Abstract Objective Explore perceptions of physical activity/exercise in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). Background Although activity/exercise are HF self-care expectations, perceptions of patients are not well understood. Methods Ambulatory adults with HF were interviewed. Data were transcribed, categorized, and themes were developed. Results Of 48 participants, mean age was 58.8 ± 13.2 years. Themes that emerged were: patients not knowing and physicians not telling; scared into doing or not doing it; life gets in the way; meaningful support versus meaningless talk; emotional connections to exercise; value does not equal motivation to move; and disconnection between self-confidence and actions. Self-confidence in and value of physical activity/exercise were not primary motivators to action. Generally, physicians failed to provide details regarding exercise dose, length, warm-up and cool-down expectations, and usual and adverse effects. Conclusions Patient perceptions of what physical activity/exercise means are multi-dimensional; and fears, emotions, priority and participatory social support contribute to adherence.
ISSN:0147-9563
1527-3288
DOI:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2014.08.006