| Increases in physical activity reduce morbidity and mortality related to CVD and contribute to improvements in physical and psychological function. However, few women meet daily recommendations for physical activity and little is known about motivation for increased physical activity in women with CVD. Self-determination theory (SDT) has shown promise in explaining motivation to initiate and maintain physical activity and how an autonomy supportive approach by healthcare providers can promote healthy behaviors. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships among perceptions of the degree of autonomy support provided by their healthcare providers, motivation, and physical activity in women with CVD.;A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted utilizing reliable and valid self-report questionnaires. The study involved a convenience sample of 103 community-dwelling, English speaking women, 45 years of age or older, with a self-reported history of CVD. Participants were recruited via flyers posted in public places and cardiology clinics in the Southeast region of the U. S. Relationships among SDT-related variables and physical activity and perceived physical activity limitations were examined using hierarchical multiple linear regression.;The study hypotheses were partially supported. No significant relationships were found between self-reported physical activity and the SDT-related variables or perceived physical activity limitations. Greater perceived autonomy support from healthcare providers was significantly associated with greater autonomous motivation and greater perceived competence for physical activity. Greater comorbidities, greater depression, greater number of CVD symptoms, and lower perceived competence for physical activity were significant predictors of perceived physical activity limitations. Perceived competence mediated the effect of autonomous motivation on perceived physical activity limitations, such that greater autonomous motivation was associated with greater competence for participating in physical activity, leading to lower perceived physical activity limitations.;Findings support the use of SDT in explaining motivation for physical activity in women with CVD, especially as it relates to increasing competence for this behavior. Future research using mixed methods approaches is warranted to clarify the relationship between self-reported physical activity and perceived physical activity limitations and to inform the development of female gender-specific autonomy supportive interventions by healthcare providers to enhance motivation for physical activity in women with CVD. |
