Changes in physical activity among coronary and hypertensive patients: A longitudinal study using the Health Action...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular disease prevention
• Health psychology
• Behavioral medicine

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) is vital for preventing cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
• The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) provides a framework to understand behavior change.
• Coronary patients (CPs) and hypertensive patients (HPs) are distinct populations with shared CVD risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the process of change in PA among CPs and HPs using the HAPA.
• To examine the HAPA's social cognitive patterns in these patient groups.
• To identify mechanisms influencing PA maintenance in cardiovascular patients.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal survey study design.
• Two follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months.
• Involved 188 CPs and 169 HPs, measuring PA intensity and frequency.

Main Results:

• HAPA social cognitive patterns were largely equivalent between CPs and HPs.
• A latent growth curve model revealed strong interrelations between PA, planning, and maintenance self-efficacy.
• Increased PA was linked to higher planning and maintenance self-efficacy at follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest reciprocal relationships between PA and its predictors, forming a virtuous circle within the HAPA's volitional phase.
• The HAPA social cognitive patterns are consistent across both coronary and hypertensive patient groups.
• These insights can inform interventions for promoting PA in cardiovascular patient populations.