Participation in community-based exercise maintenance programs after completion of hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation: a mixed-method study.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the characteristics associated with participation in community-based exercise maintenance programs in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after completion of hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation in Scotland. METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was used (survey and focus groups) to explore determinants of participation in community-based exercise maintenance programs. RESULTS: Of 112 patients (67% male), 81 patients responded (73% response rate). Knowledge was high of the importance (19.2%) or high importance (75.6%) of physical activity to cardiac health. However, the focus groups identified that use of community-based exercise maintenance programs was affected by personal confidence, perceived meaningful support for people with CHD, and suitability of exercises to CHD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Decisions regarding the use of community-based exercise maintenance programs after hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation appear to be impacted by a range of factors linked to the views of exercise, confidence, and suitability of the program regimen to the individual with CHD.