Effects of a pedometer-based intervention on physical activity levels after cardiac rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
In Australia, patient adherence to physical activity after a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) is poor. This study evaluated the efficacy of a pedometer-based intervention to increase physical activity after CRP.


METHODS
Patients (n = 110) who had attended a CRP were randomized into an intervention or a control group. The 6-week intervention included self-monitored physical activity using a pedometer and step calendar and 2 behavioral counseling and goal-setting sessions. Self-reported physical activity and psychosocial status were collected at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months. Participant exercise capacity was measured using a gas exchange analysis system.


RESULTS
Study groups were not significantly different at baseline, except for occupation. At 6 weeks and 6 months, improvements in total physical activity sessions (P = .002 and P = .016, respectively), walking minutes (P = .013, 6 weeks only), and walking sessions (P < .001 and P = .035) in the intervention group were significantly greater than those in the control group after adjusting for baseline differences. At 6 months, total physical activity minutes in the intervention group also increased significantly more than those in the control group (P = .044). These self-reported behavioral changes were corroborated by improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness at 6 months in the intervention group (P = .01). There were also significant improvements in psychosocial health at 6 weeks and 6 months in the intervention group.


CONCLUSIONS
The pedometer-based intervention was successful in increasing physical activity in cardiac patients after a CRP. This intervention could be given to patients to promote adherence to physical activity guidelines after a CRP, particularly in centers where maintenance programs are not available.
Butler
Lyra
L
South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service, New South Wales, and School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Furber
Susan
S
Phongsavan
Philayrath
P
Mark
Andrew
A
Bauman
Adrian
A
D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D000072038:Cardiac Rehabilitation; D003376:Counseling; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010809:Physical Fitness