39 Feasibility of an evidence and theory-informed behavioural intervention ‘BeActive-HF’ designed to increase physical activity levels of adults with heart failure
Year: 2024
Type: conference-paper
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background Heart failure (HF) affects approximately 1 million people in the United Kingdom (UK). It has a large symptomatic burden that impacts negatively on quality of life. Increasing physical activity (PA) can improve symptoms of HF and quality of life (QoL). Aim To establish the feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of a theory and evidence-informed behavioural intervention ‘BeActive-HF’ from the perspective of adults with HF and healthcare professionals (HCPs), and explore the impact on PA levels and QoL in adults with HF. Methods A multi-centre feasibility study was conducted across three NHS trusts in Northeast England. HCPs were trained to deliver Be-Active-HF to adults with HF during routine outpatient and community appointments over 12-months. Socio-demographics, PA (Actigraph GT3X) and QoL (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire) data were collected at baseline, 6 and 12-months. Adults with HF and HCPs were interviewed to explore acceptability and fidelity of BeActive-HF. Results Seventy-eight people with HF were approached and 31 adults with HF participated (68% male; mean age 68±14 years) and 26 HCPs completed training (88% female; mean age 46±9 years; mean length of time in role 81±84 months). Interviews with 12 HCPs confirmed that training led to acquisition of new skills and methods to promote PA. Interview data from 19 adults with HF confirmed that BeActive-HF was acceptable and led to the positive attitudes about engaging in PA. Most frequently delivered and enacted components of BeActive-HF were chair-based exercises and goal setting (PA behaviour). Improved QoL scores were observed in adults with HF at 6- and 12-months. PA levels (steps per day) were maintained from baseline to 6-months (6,662 and 6,348 respectively), with a modest increase at 12-months follow-up (7,642). Conclusion BeActive-HF can be delivered as part of routine clinical practice. Preliminary findings indicate that BeActive-HF may improve QoL. Larger studies are warranted to establish the impact on PA levels.
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4403011076