An evidence-based structured one-year programme to sustain physical activity in patients with heart failure in primary care: A non-randomized longitudinal feasibility study

Abstract

Aim: The primary objective of this non-randomized feasibility study was to test a 1-year model programme for sustaining/increasing patients’ motivation to perform daily physical activity. Design: Non-randomized longitudinal feasibility study with a one-group repeated measures design. Methods: The study took place at a primary care centre in mid-Sweden in 2017–2018. The model programme included individual and group-based support, individualized physical activity prescriptions, a wrist-worn activity tracker and an activity diary. The main outcomes were the participants’ perceptions of programme feasibility and scores on the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale. Results: Seven patients were recruited. Six patients completed the programme that was perceived to imply learning, motivation and support. Compared with baseline, the median score of the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale improved 3 months after participants completed the programme.