Positive outcomes occurred in the short-term from interventions using approaches such as  exercise prescriptions , goal setting , feedback and problem-solving .
However , longer-term maintenance of exercise  was less successful .
Physical activity is recommended for people with stable heart failure ( HF ) , because it is known to improve quality of life and health outcomes .
However , adherence to this recommendation has been poor in many studies .
A systematic review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of strategies used to promote exercise adherence in those with HF .
Motivational interviewing to promote physical activity for people with chronic heart failure.
AIM This paper reports a study comparing , over a 5-month period , two different methods of increasing physical activity : a traditional exercise programme and one based on motivational interviewing . BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure is associated with poor quality of life that can be improved by increased physical activity . Patients who are directed to engage in physical activity have a record of low compliance . METHOD Sixty older aged heart failure patients were r and omly assigned to st and ard care , motivational interviewing or both treatments . The primary outcome was physical activity ( kcal/kg/day ) , with the 6-minute walk test as a secondary outcome . FINDINGS At entry , no significant differences were observed between the three groups . Following treatment , the ' motivational interviewing ' and ' both treatments ' groups reported an increase in their level and type of activities , whereas the ' st and ard care ' group did not . All groups significantly increased their 6-minute walk distance . CONCLUSIONS Motivational interviewing , which incorporates established behaviour change principles and a flexible approach to promotion of activity , increases reported physical activity in older patients with heart failure over a short period . In terms of level and type of activity , this approach gives a better outcome than st and ard care , and nurses should explore alternative strategies to promote health in this population
Positive outcomes occurred in the short-term from interventions using approaches such as  exercise prescriptions , goal setting , feedback and problem-solving .
However , longer-term maintenance of exercise  was less successful .
Physical activity is recommended for people with stable heart failure ( HF ) , because it is known to improve quality of life and health outcomes .
However , adherence to this recommendation has been poor in many studies .
A systematic review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of strategies used to promote exercise adherence in those with HF .