title: Confronting one's vulnerability - patients with chest pain participating in a high-intensity exercise programme.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explain the transitional process that individuals with unexplained chest pain undergo while participating in an exercise training programme over time.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Angina-like chest pain in patients with no obstructive coronary artery disease is a growing problem. Functional limitations, restricted daily activities and reduced quality of life are reported. In addition, physical activity is avoided in this population.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study follows a qualitative classic grounded theory (Glaser ).
  
  
  METHODS
  Three times a week for 12 weeks, twelve patients with no obstructive coronary artery disease participated in a high-intensity aerobic exercise training programme supervised by physiotherapists and nurses. The data collection was based on diaries and interviews about the experience and analysed according to the principles of classic grounded theory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The core category was identified as 'confronting one's vulnerability' and included three subcategories: 'balancing existential uncertainty', 'transforming bodily perceptions' and 'becoming a more capable person'.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The transition was described as a process of becoming more capable. Health professionals should be aware of the significance of high-intensity exercise training for people with unexplained chest pain and of the underlying dimension of vulnerability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Understanding the transition process that people with unexplained chest pain undergo while participating in a high-intensity exercise training programme promotes a person-centred approach. Taking this substantive theory into consideration will improve the prerequisites for establishing person-centred care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.
authors.forename: Ingrid Ølfarnes
authors.initials: IØ
authors.lastname: Røysland
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.
authors.forename: Febe
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Friberg
authors.affiliation: Nord University Bodø Norway and Nordland Regional Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway.
authors.forename: Berit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Støre Brinchmann
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
authors.forename: Sunniva
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nordeide Svello
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.|Department of Clinical sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: Torstein
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Valborgland
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.|Department of Clinical sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: Alf Inge
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Larsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000523:psychology; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D035501:Uncertainty
keywords: exercise/physical activity; experiences; grounded theory; heart-health; pain; uncertainty