Effect of an exercise consultation on maintenance of physical activity after completion of phase III exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation.
BACKGROUND
Many patients do not maintain physical activity levels after completion of phase III exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation.


METHODS
This study determined the effect of an exercise consultation on maintenance of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness 12 months after completion of a phase III exercise programme. Seventy cardiac patients were randomized to the experimental (exercise consultation and exercise information) or control groups (exercise information only).


METHODS
Outcomes recorded at baseline, 6 and 12 months were: physical activity (stage of change, 7-day recall, accelerometer), cardiorespiratory fitness, lipids, quality of life, anxiety and depression.


RESULTS
Both groups were regularly active at baseline. The between-group difference for the change in total activity (min/week) assessed by the 7-day recall was significant from baseline to 12 months [98% confidence interval (CI) -295, -20]. Total activity was maintained in the experimental group (98% CI -63, 154) and significantly decreased in the control group (115 min/week; 98% CI -228, -28) from baseline to 12 months. The between-group difference for the change in accelerometer counts/week was not significant from baseline to 6 (98% CI -1 143 720, 607 430) or 12 months (98% CI -1 131 128, 366 473). A comparable, significant decrease in peak oxygen uptake occurred from baseline to 12 months in experimental (1.8 ml/kg per min; 98% CI -3.2, -0.3) and control participants (2.3 ml/kg per min; -3.8, -0.8). Lipids, quality of life, anxiety and depression were normal at baseline and did not significantly change in either group over time.


CONCLUSIONS
Exercise consultation was effective in maintaining self-reported physical activity, but not peak oxygen uptake, for 12 months after completion of phase III.
Hughes
Adrienne R
AR
University of Glasgow, Division of Developmental Medicine, Yorkhill Hospitals, Scotland. adrienne.hughes@stir.ac.uk
Mutrie
Nanette
N
Macintyre
Paul D
PD
D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003863:Depression; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013995:Time
D008055:Lipids