THE RELATIONSHIP OF EXERCISE SELF-EFFICACY(SE) TO EXERCISE BEHAVIOR & FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN CARDIAC REHABILITATION (CR) PATIENTS

Abstract

1030 Background: Few reports on CR patients have addressed SE levels to an off-site personal exercise program (PEP). Additionally, there is little data on the potential utility of SE to exercise as a predictor of functional capacity. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the relationship of SE to a PEP as a predictor of PEP and overall exercise behavior (combination of facility based exercise & PEP) and to determine if specific SE to exercise measures correlate with functional capacity. Methods: Participants were from a pool of 80 low and moderate risk cardiac patients randomized to a traditional protocol (TP, n=42) or modified protocol (MP, n=38). The first month, participants followed identical protocols; 3 ECG monitored exercise sessions per week with encouragement to exercise off-site to achieve ≥ 5 times per week for ≥ 30 minutes a session. Thereafter, the TP participants were encouraged to follow a supervised facility based exercise regimen and the MP emphasized an off-site regimen facilitated via group education and support. Both protocols were effective in eliciting improvements in physiological outcomes associated with CV health and produced similar levels of overall exercise over 6 months. Exercise SE levels and exercise behavior data were obtained on 68 patients at baseline, 1.5 months, 3 months, and 6 months. The SE questions addressed patient confidence toward a PEP and overall exercise, daily and leisure activities, physical condition, and exercise intensity, frequency, and duration. Results: The SE levels to a PEP significantly correlated to subsequent PEP and overall exercise over 6 months (p<0.05). Selected SE questions significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with functional capacity levels. Conclusions: Specific SE to exercise measures appear to predict which CR patients will be successful with an independent PEP and overall exercise behavior and identify levels of functional capacity. Moreover, these measures may have utility in determining when patients can be weaned from a supervised exercise regimen and be successful independently.