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 .
The impact of a self-management group programme on health behaviour and healthcare utilization among congestive heart failure patients.
AIMS The ' Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme ' ( CDSMP ) emphasizes patients ' responsibility for the day-to-day management of their condition(s ) and has shown favourable effects on health behaviour and healthcare utilization among various groups of patients with chronic conditions . However , the effects of the CDSMP among congestive heart failure ( CHF ) patients are unknown . We therefore aim ed to assess the effects of the CDSMP on health behaviour and healthcare utilization in patients with CHF . METHODS AND RESULTS This r and omized , controlled trial with 12 months of follow-up included 317 CHF patients with a slight to marked limitation of physical activity . Control patients ( n = 131 ) received usual care , consisting of regular checkups at an outpatient clinic . Intervention group patients ( n = 186 ) received usual care and participated in a 6-week self-management group programme .  Favourable effects on walking for exercise and other physical activities such as aerobic , stretching , and strength exercises , sports , and gardening were reported in the intervention group immediately after completion of the programme . The effect of the programme on other physical activities extended to 6 months of follow-up . No favourable effects were found for the other outcomes . CONCLUSION The CDSMP significantly improved physical activity  among CHF patients for up to 6 months after the end of the programme ; however , it did not affect other health behaviour outcomes or healthcare utilization
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 .