Temporal Variation in Psychosocial Factors and Physical Activity Levels Among Patients With Heart Failure

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) patients experience fluctuating symptoms and physical activity, but empirical data are limited.
• Understanding the interplay between psychosocial factors and physical activity in HF is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between psychosocial traits, fluctuating HF symptoms, and physical activity levels in stable heart failure patients.
• To examine the variability of HF symptoms and psychosocial states using ecological momentary assessment.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study (MOVIN-HF) involving symptomatic HF patients.
• Collected baseline psychosocial traits and conducted 28-day twice-daily ecological momentary assessments of symptoms and psychosocial states.
• Measured physical activity via smartwatch step counts and analyzed associations using mixed-effects models.

Main Results:

• Baseline intrinsic motivation significantly correlated with higher daily step counts (39% increase per point).
• Substantial variability observed in HF symptoms (50%+ change in 33% of participants) and vitality (50%+ change in 60%).
• HF symptoms and psychosocial states (vitality, competence) were significantly associated with short-term physical activity.

Conclusions:

• Stable psychosocial traits influence daily physical activity in HF patients.
• HF symptoms and psychosocial states exhibit significant short-term fluctuations, impacting physical activity.
• Tailored interventions addressing psychosocial factors and symptom variability may enhance physical activity in heart failure.