Article

The aim of this study was to examine fear-avoidance beliefs in
patients after first-time myocardial infarction and to determine how such beliefs
change over time. A futher aim was to analyse fear-avoidance beliefs and physical
activity levels in patients attending exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation led
by a registered physiotherapist, compared with a control group. Design:
Prospective cohort study. Patients: A total of 62 patients after first-time
myocardial infarction were consecutively included in the study, mean age 61 years
(range 42-73). Thirty-four patients chose exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation
and 28 carried out the exercise regime on their own (controls). At follow-up, 57
patients (n = 30 and n = 27, respectively) responded. Methods: The Fear-Avoidance
Beliefs Questionnaire and the Exercise and Physical Activity questionnaires were
completed at 1 and 4 months post-infarction. Results: Clinically relevant
fear-avoidance beliefs were seen in 48% of all patients at baseline, compared
with 21% at follow-up (p = 0.01). Corresponding baseline values were 62% for the
cardiac rehabilitation group and 29% for controls (p = 0.02). At follow-up, 4
months post-infarction, the difference between the groups was no longer seen. The
total amount of physical activity increased over time for the cardiac
rehabilitation group (p = 0.03), and this was also significant compared with the
control group (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Compared with controls, patients attending
exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation led by a registered physiotherapist,
demonstrated higher levels of fear-avoidance beliefs at baseline, which decreased
over time. Furthermore, attendees increased their level of physical activity and
exercise over time. Participation in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is
therefore strongly recommended for patients with myocardial infarction,
especially for those with increased fear of movement.

Langue : ANGLAIS