Abstract des Verlegers

Objectives: The present study tested the effectiveness of a theory-based intervention (VIN-CET) aimed to promote physical activity and to improve health-related quality of life in cardiac rehabilitation. Design: Program effectiveness was evaluated by means of a quasi-experiment with a longitudinal sample of 485 individuals with cardiovascular diseases participating in a 3-week inpatient rehabilitation program (phase II). The VIN-CET intervention was integrated into the exercise therapy of the standard program (n = 300). Standard program participants were used as comparison group (n = 185). Follow-ups were conducted at 3 and 12 months after the intervention. Method: Physical exercise and leisure-time physical activity were assessed by standardised self-report measures. Physical and mental health status was measured with the SF-12 and physical functioning was assessed with a sub-scale of the SF-36. Results: One year after the intervention, group comparisons showed small intervention effects (ps < .05) for physical exercise (Standardised Mean Difference, SMD = 0.22), physical health status (SMD = 0.20) and physical functioning (SMD = 0.17). Conclusion: The VIN-CET intervention seems to be an effective and efficient way of promoting physical exercise in cardiac rehabilitation. Practical significance is reinforced by effects on physical aspects of health-related quality of life. Verl.-Referat