The relationship between self-efficacy theory and exercise compliance in a cardiac population

This investigation utilized a cross-sectional study design in order to examine the relationship between self-efficacy theory and exercise compliance in a cardiac population. The study sample was comprised of 20 females and 118 males who had completed a Phase II cardiac rehabilitation program. Of the sample, 43 were enrolled in a Phase III program, while 77 reportedly were exercising on their own, at the time of data collection. Only 18 of the respondents reportedly did not exercise at all.;Exercise compliance/behavior was assessed according to guidelines developed by the American College of Sports Medicine (1986). Frequency, intensity and duration of exercise were assessed and then combined to produce the dependent variable (exercise behavior). Two measures were utilized to assess self-efficacy: the aggregation of six self-efficacy activity scales (total self-efficacy) and the aggregation of 16 perceived barriers to exercise (exercise barriers efficacy measure).;Based on ACSM (1986) guidelines, exercise compliance for this particular population was similar to that delineated in previous studies (44%) (Barnard, Guzy, Rosenberg & O'Brien, 1983; Bengtsson, 1983; Oldridge & Jones, 1983). A positive correlation was observed between total self-efficacy and the exercise behavior measure (r =.3567, p ;Since exercise barriers efficacy was found to be the most predictive of exercise behavior, it was suggested that perceived barriers be assessed of all graduates of the formal program (Phase II) and periodically of those enrolled in Phase III. Once these barriers have been identified, the sources of self-efficacy can be employed in an effort to alter and/or negate the barrier(s). Methodologies for implementing the sources of self-efficacy were offered. Future research is recommended which would assess compliance with other long-term treatment regimens (dietary changes, smoking cessation and stress management) and their relationships with self-efficacy following completion of a Phase II program.