Effect of an exercise consultation on maintenance of physical activity after completion of phase III exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation

Abstract

Background Many patients do not maintain physical activity levels after completion of phase III exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation. Design This study determined the effect of the exercise consultation on maintenance of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness 12 months after completion of a phase III exercise programme. Seventy cardiac patients were randomized to the experimental (exercise consultation and exercise information) or control groups (exercise information only). Methods Outcomes recorded at baseline, six and 12 months were physical activity (stage of change, 7-day recall, accelerometer), cardiorespiratory fitness, lipids, quality of life, anxiety and depression. Results Both groups were regularly active at baseline. The between group difference for the change in total activity (minutes/week) assessed by the 7-day recall was significant from baseline to 12 months (98%CI –295, -20). Total activity was maintained in the experimental group (98%CI -63, 154) and significantly decreased in the control group (115 minutes/week; 98%CI -228, -28) from baseline to 12 months. The between group difference for the change in accelerometer counts/week was not significant from baseline to six (98%CI -1143720, 607430) or 12 months (98%CI -1131128, 366473). A comparable, significant decrease in peak oxygen uptake occurred from baseline to 12 months in experimental (1.8 ml/kg/min; 98%CI -3.2, -0.3) and control participants (2.3 ml/kg/min; -3.8, -0.8). Lipids, quality of life, anxiety and depression were normal at baseline and did not significantly change in either group over time. Conclusion Exercise consultation was effective in maintaining self-reported physical activity, but not peak oxygen uptake, for 12 months after completion of phase III.