Factors Influencing Exercise and Relaxation Behaviour in Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to examine factors of exercise and relaxation behaviour in cardiac patients six months after their rehabilitation with the Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen, 1991) and Temporal Self-Regulation Theory (Hall and Fong, 2007). Methods: Design: longitudinal; 6 months follow-up. Participants: cardiac rehabilitation inpatients with acute ischemic heart disease aged 65 or below. N=302, 278 (75%) males, mean age 55.61 (SD=7.31). Measures: CDS, SVS, self-report questionnaire about the variables of the theories. Linear regression models and path analyses were used. Findings: 212 participants (71%) did exercise and 45 (15%) did relaxation 6 months after the rehabilitation. Positive temporal evaluation was expected after one month of regular exercise or relaxation. Predictors of exercise behaviour were intention, descriptive (but not injunctive) subjective norm, self-efficacy, past behaviour, temporal proximity of positive consequences, and state vitality. Predictors of relaxation were intention and past behaviour. Discussion: Relaxation is less accepted than exercise by cardiac patients. Different factors contribute to these behaviours.