Förderung der Motivation zur körperlichen Aktivität durch telefonische und schriftliche Nachsorge für kardiologische Reha-Patienten - eine randomisierte Kontrollgruppenstudie

The aim of this study was the development and evaluation of telephone and mail follow-up to promote the motivation for physical activity for cardiac patients after inpatient rehabilitation program. In a randomized control group study 273 patients were contacted by telephone and mail monthly after randomization. Motivation enhancing strategies were, for example, causal attribution of the rehabilitation success to effort, reminding the patients of the importance of physical activity for every day, and intrinsic incentives. 6 months after the rehabilitation program a catamnesis was conducted. 202 patients provided pre- and posttest data for statistical analysis. The telephone contacts led in comparison to the control group to a small but significant difference in health-related motivation in the expected direction. Intrinsic, social, and achievement motivation, disease- and physical activity-related anxiety, general anxiety, depression and participation in an outpatient cardiac sports group showed no significant differences. The post-hoc analysis indicated more physical activity (reported as incidence of sweating and increased heartbeat) in the intervention groups than in the control group. Overall, the application of motivational support strategies from pedagogical contexts is considered a success. An incomplete implementation of the guidelines, a too short duration, a low frequency of phone calls, and high self-selection of patients besides problems of quantifying physical activity are seen as the major hindrance for a successful treatment evaluation.