The effects of an 'exercise and education' programme on exercise self-efficacy and levels of independent activity in adults with acquired neurological pathologies: an exploratory, randomized study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of an exercise and education programme on primary outcomes of exercise efficacy and activity levels; and on secondary outcomes including quality of life, mood and physical disability.


METHODS
Randomized, single blind trial.


METHODS
Specialist neurosciences centre.


METHODS
Forty-four patients with acquired neurological pathologies.


METHODS
Twenty-one participants undertook a four-week exercise and education programme alongside standard follow-up care. Twenty-three participants underwent standard follow-up care alone.


METHODS
Primary outcome measures included the Exercise Efficacy Scale and Human Activity Profile. Secondary outcomes were evaluated by the Short Form 36 Health Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, UWIST Mood Adjective Checklist, Motricity Index, Frenchay Arm Test, Rivermead Mobility Index, 10-metre timed walk and a visual analogue scale. Data were collected at baseline and at 6, 12 and 24 weeks.


RESULTS
At six weeks, significant improvements in exercise efficacy were found following the treatment but not the control (P= 0.001). Moderate improvements in activity levels were noted for both study groups with no between-group differences. Short Form 36 'physical health' and 'general health' domains showed trends towards increased positive change following the intervention, but these did not reach significant levels. Mood, physical impairment and physical disability remained unchanged within either study group. Longer term follow-up revealed that the improvements noted in exercise self-efficacy, activity levels and quality of life were maintained.


CONCLUSIONS
The intervention resulted in improved exercise efficacy and may positively influence the physical and general health dimensions of health-related quality of life.
Haworth
Jo
J
Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Liverpool. jo.haworth@thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk
Young
Carolyn
C
Thornton
Everard
E
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011788:Quality of Life; D020377:Self Efficacy