Subgroup analyses showed smaller sample s reporting larger effect sizes ; intervention lasting less than 6 months showed larger effect sizes and intention-to-treat analysis showed smaller effect sizes Lifestyle interventions may be of value in preventing and reducing blood pressure in LMICs .
Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the effectiveness of antihypertensive medication , hypertension remains poorly controlled in low and middle-income countries ( LMICs ) .
Effects of home-based cardiac exercise program on the exercise tolerance, serum lipid values and self-efficacy of coronary patients
Background Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation improves exercise capacity and reduces cardiac risk factors . The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effects of a home-based cardiac exercise program ( HBCEP ) on exercise tolerance , serum lipids , and self-efficacy in coronary heart disease patients in Turkey . Self-efficacy theory provided the framework for this study 's intervention . Design The study design was a pre-test and post-test experimental , r and omized assignment . Method The study included 30 participants in a home-based cardiac exercise program ( HBCEP ; mean age = 54.7 ± 7.8 ) and 30 in control ( C ; mean age = 52.7 ± 6.5 ) . The Phase II cardiac exercise program included three 45 - 60-min sessions per week for 12 weeks , and the enhancement of self-efficacy through educational sessions and the use of goal setting , modelling , and physiological feedback strategies . Both groups were comparable in their medical regimen , exercise capacity , and other measured variables pre-intervention . At baseline and after 12 weeks , exercise capacity was evaluated by exercise testing using the Bruce Protocol , self-efficacy was measured with the Cardiac Exercise Self Efficacy Index , and serum lipid values were measured . Results At the completion of the 12-week exercise program , the exercise capacity ( P<0.001 ) , total cholesterol ( P = 0.004 ) , triglycerides ( P = 0.048 ) , high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( P = 0.001 ) , low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( P = 0.039 ) , and self-efficacy ( P<0.001 ) of the HBCEP Group were significantly improved compared to the control group . Conclusion These results suggest that a first-time HBCEP in Turkey can be successful in having patients adhere to a prescribed exercise program and reduce risk factors . Enhanced self-efficacy may have mediated the improved behavioural outcomes
Subgroup analyses showed smaller sample s reporting larger effect sizes ; intervention lasting less than 6 months showed larger effect sizes and intention-to-treat analysis showed smaller effect sizes Lifestyle interventions may be of value in preventing and reducing blood pressure in LMICs .
Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the effectiveness of antihypertensive medication , hypertension remains poorly controlled in low and middle-income countries ( LMICs ) .