Motivational factors for exercise in cardiac patients? A literature review

Objective: To review factors related to regular exercise in patients diagnosed with myocardial ischemia, heart failure, and other heart diseases. Review methods: Literature review of studies published from 1969 to January 2013. Results: Of the studies included (n=27), 18 describe factors related to the performance of exercise. The other 9 articles describe barriers to exercise and/or propose options for overcoming the barriers posed by social and economic factors, the health care system, the patient’s condition, the therapy and the patient related factors. The literature specifically describes different barriers and motives for men and women. Conclusions: To increase exercise among cardiac patients, the factors that influence participation need to be examined. Alternative formats for exercise programs are needed. Programs need to be better tailored to patients’ needs so as to enhance participation among those who are not attracted by the choice of programs currently offered