Degree and Socio-Ecological Correlates of Exercise at Completion of Supervised Cardiac Rehabilitation in Highly-Adherent Patients

Purpose: The objectives of this thesis were to describe the quantity of physical activity (PA) in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participants at the end of their program, and the correlates of PA, in a theoretically-informed manner. Methods: A secondary analysis of baseline data from a randomized controlled trial was undertaken, cross-sectionally. Participants completed questionnaires which assessed socio-ecological constructs and PA at CR completion. Results: 255 (40.0%) patients consented to participate. Participants engaged in a mean of 184.51 (SD=129.10) minutes of weekly moderate to vigorous-intensity PA, with 134 (62.9%) meeting the guideline-recommendation of 150 minutes. In the multivariate model, the socio-ecological correlates which were significantly related to meeting the PA target at CR completion were: greater functional status (OR=1.043, 95%CI=1.009-1.079), self-monitoring (OR=2.342, 95%CI=1.422-3.856) and living with someone who requires caregiving (OR=0.22, 95%CI=0.050-0.970). Conclusion: CR programs should promote greater PA on non-CR days to ensure guideline attainment, and hence better health outcomes.