Barriers to physical activity in people at risk of coronary heart disease

Scotland has a high risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and a literature search identified the risk factors and the importance that physical activity plays in reducing the risk. The search also revealed that patients at risk of CHD find it difficult to increase their exercise levels. In an attempt to understand this, barriers to exercise were explored from a psychological perspective. The study uses the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLCS) (Wallston and Wallston, 1978) in conjunction with a specifically designed exercise questionnaire. The results show that differences in exercise levels exist between different age groups and between males and females. Differences in MHLCS scores and in barriers to exercise are also shown between the different age groups and sexes, as well as between those working and those not working. The main barriers to exercises were time, ill health, preference to do other things, money, having nobody to go with and lack of confidence.