Author(s): HAUFE, S., LÖDDING, P., BEYER, S., PÖKEL, C., KÜCK, M., LEPS, C., RADZIWOLEK, L., KERLING, A., TEGTBUR, U., BUSSE, M., Institution: DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION AND SPORTS MEDICINE, Country: GERMANY, Abstract-ID: 294

INTRODUCTION:
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is one of the most common diseases in industrialized countries, disproportionately affecting the elderly. In addition to consistent drug therapy, physical activity (PA) is an integral part of current guidelines. Yet, adherence to regular PA and exercise interventions is poor and potential predictors and barriers to PA remain elusive.
METHODS:
We examined the effects of a 12-month telemonitoring-based exercise intervention in 699 CHF patients in a prospective, randomized-controlled (1:1), multicenter trial. At each study centre, anthropometric parameters, physical activity recordings with questionnaires and activity trackers, and a general medical examination by a physician (including electrocardiogram, medical history, and cardiopulmonary exercise tests) were conducted.
RESULTS:
For both, the exercise and control group, self-reported PA (MET*hours/week) increased and sedentary behavior declined during the 12-month intervention period. The average number of completed exercise instruction videos provided via an online application was 1.50 [1.44] videos/week at the beginning and gradually decreased to 1.00 [1.50] videos/week; p <0.01. Multivariate regression models for both groups combined revealed that exercise-related PA (MET*hours/week) (β = -0.620) and exercise capacity at baseline (β = 0.150), CHF severity (β = 0.145), atrial fibrillation (β = -0.145), and age (β = 0.127) predicted changes during the 12-month intervention in self-reported exercise-related PA (R2 = 0.396).
CONCLUSION:
Our results show the influence of certain baseline characteristics as barriers and predictors of PA adherence. Therefore, exercise programs should pay attention to patients’ individual characteristics and disease-related conditions to set achievable goals, and eventually promote the adherence and sustainability of exercise-focused interventions.