Experience of physical activity described by patients with heart failure who have received individualized exercise advice: A qualitative study.

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe the experience of physical activity in patients with heart failure who were randomized to a control group in which they received exercise advice and motivational support.DesignA qualitative descriptive interview study, using qualitative content analysis.PatientsFifteen patients with heart failure.MethodsInterviews with members of the control group in a physical activity trial (Heart Failure-Wii study), who received exercise advice and telephone follow-ups.ResultsThe experience of physical activity was described by 4 categories: (i) affected by study participation; (ii) impact of having heart failure; (iii) mixed feelings when physically active; and (iv) influence of the social and physical environment. Study participation made patients feel encouraged or obliged, or they gained a sense of security in connection with becoming more physically active. Symptoms, sideeffects and barriers could hamper their physical activity. They changed their type and level of physical activity, or used resources or equipment to become physically active. Patients experienced physical and emotional improvements and developed routines and structures, and their environment and caregivers were able to influence their physical activity.ConclusionThe role of study participation, having heart failure, and psychological and environmental factors describe the experiences of physical activity in patients with heart failure who were randomized to a control group, and are important in evaluating and motivating patients’ physical activity.LAY ABSTRACTNon-adherence to physical activity is common in patients with heart failure. As a consequence, these patients are more likely to have worse health outcomes and to be readmitted to hospital. Patients who are in the control group of an exercise trial can change their physical activity behaviour. In order to effectively advise patients to be physically active, or to evaluate exercise trials, it would be useful to gain more insight into the physical activity experiences of patients participating in control groups of exercise trials. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of physical activity in patients with heart failure who were randomized to a control group in which they received exercise advice and motivational support. The study found that experience with physical activity was described by 4 categories: (i) affected by study participation; (ii) impact of having heart failure; (iii) mixed feelings when physically active; and (iv) influence of the social and physical environment.