title: Stage-specific education/counseling intervention in women with elevated blood pressure.
abstract: Many women with elevated blood pressure who seek exercise opportunities require a flexible program with systematic follow-up. The study framework included motivational readiness (exercise stage of change) from the Transtheoretical Model and self-efficacy theory. This pilot study, which used a one-group repeated measures design, tested the feasibility of a stage-specific education/counseling intervention aimed at improving exercise outcomes in women with elevated blood pressure. Forty women completed a 2.5-hour session including prescription for moderate-vigorous exercise on their own, practice on equipment, maintenance of an exercise diary, and contracting; three follow-up calls (Weeks 1, 2, 3); a visit (Week 4); and a final call (Week 5). After the intervention, 85% of women moved to or remained in the action or maintenance stages of change, the highest levels of readiness; none relapsed. Exercise self-efficacy and benefits increased and barriers decreased (P<.05); 70% of participants increased exercise performance. The intervention was feasible. Further testing is warranted using larger samples and including a control group.
authors.affiliation: The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. daley.1@osu.edu
authors.forename: Linda K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Daley
authors.forename: Anne F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Fish
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Frid
authors.forename: G Lynn
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009042:Motivation; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020377:Self Efficacy