Experiences of unexplained chest pain and physical activity: A Meta-Ethnography

The aim was to examine the experiences of physical activity in the patients with unexplained chest pain.

Previous qualitative studies have compiled data on the physical activity experiences of people with unexplained chest pain. Nevertheless, no meta-synthesis exists on this topic to advance the theoretical development of future-related studies.

A meta-ethnographic synthesis of qualitative studies was conducted. Original qualitative studies on the physical activity experiences of people with unexplained chest pain were identified and systematically synthesised using a meta-ethnographic approach.

Seven databases were searched for relevant full-text articles in English, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish. There were no limitations concerning year of publication. Articles were first screened against inclusion criteria for eligibility and then assessed for quality and analysed using Noblit and Hare's seven-step meta-ethnography process. The ENTREQ checklist for systematic reviews was used.

Nine qualitative studies were included in the analysis. The physical activity experiences of people with unexplained chest pain illuminates the metaphor: "Physical activity means balancing uncertainty" with four themes: looking for possible explanations, feeling vulnerable, feeling uncertain of consequences and being physically active may mean becoming more capable.

For people with unexplained chest pain, being physically active meant moving toward being more capable. The participants felt vulnerable and physical activity helped in balancing uncertainty. A comprehensive model illustrates the antecedents and succedent for the physical activity experiences of individuals with unexplained chest pains.

An approach to care which considers the patient's experience might be applicable; however, it needs to be accompanied with a biomedical perspective. Nurses and other health professionals need to provide a bridge between the patient's experiences and health professionals' advice and recommendations.