Effects of Exercise Testing and Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease on Fear and Self-Efficacy of Exercise: A Pilot Study

ConclusionPatients in the RPE and target heart rate groups had non-significant changes in exercise self-efficacy over the course of CR. Contrary to our hypothesis, the use of GXT and target heart rate range did not reduce fear, and we noted sustained or increases in fear of exercise among patients with elevated baseline fear. A more targeted psychological intervention seems warranted to reduce exercise fear and self-efficacy in CR.
Source: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research