Facilitators and barriers of initiation and maintenance of physical activity among people with coronary heart disease: a qualitative study

PurposeWe aimed to describe the facilitators and barriers of physical activity for patients with coronary heart disease.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with 15 participants with coronary heart disease. The interview guide was developed based on a multi-theory model. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a thematic analysis.ResultsTwo main themes were identified: facilitators of initiation and maintenance of physical activity (behavioral motivation, perceived benefits, behavioral confidence, supportive physical environment, positive emotional experience, self-regulation, supportive social environment, illness perception, and excellent self-control), barriers of initiation and maintenance of physical activity (perceived barriers, restricted physical environment, psychological distress, insufficient social support, and poor self-control).ConclusionsThis study presents an in-depth theory-based exploration of facilitators and barriers to initiating and maintaining physical activity among people with coronary heart disease. Relevant factors should be taken into account to increase their effectiveness when designing the target interventions to encourage a physically active lifestyle in this population. Before commencing cardiac rehabilitation, it is imperative to assess patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) to ascertain whether they have limited activity capacity, psychological distress, insufficient social support, and poor self-control.A customized cardiac rehabilitation plan should be meticulously devised for each patient with CHD.For patients in the early stage of initiating physical activity (PA), rehabilitation professionals should assist them in recognizing the severity of their condition and the advantages of engaging in PA.Rehabilitation professionals should also promote active utilization of social networks, stimulate CHD patients' motivation, and enhance their behavioral confidence.When guiding patients during the maintenance stage of PA, it is essential to regularly evaluate their psychological well-being, assist them in self-regulation based on their physical condition, and foster the development of self-control.Rehabilitation professionals should consistently provide social support to reinforce the patients' motivation to maintain their PA behavior.