Exercise Self-efficacy Predicts Attendance and Functional Exercise Capacity During Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine if exercise self-efficacy predicts attendance and functional exercise capacity at the end of pulmonary rehabilitation over and above demographic and clinical indicators. Methods: Sixty-four people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease completed assessments of exercise self-efficacy (task, coping, and scheduling) and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) at the beginning and end of pulmonary rehabilitation. Demographic and standard clinical data were obtained from health records. Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to predict attendance and post rehabilitation 6MWT, with demographic and clinical indicators entered before exercise self-efficacy. Findings: Task self-efficacy (?=.32) was the only statistically significant predictor of attendance. Age (?= -.15) and coping self-efficacy (?=.20) were statistically significant predictors of post rehabilitation 6MWT, after controlling for baseline 6MWT. The 6MWT increased by 32m from baseline to post rehabilitation, p=.00, ?2=.18. Discussion: Future research designing and implementing strategies to increase exercise self-efficacy in pulmonary rehabilitation are warranted.