Sex-differences in physical activity levels, knowledge, outcome expectations and task self-efficacy in atrial fibrillation patients

Oral Presentation C10.2

Authors

  • Sol Vidal-Almela University of Ottawa; Hôpital Montfort
  • Kimberley L. Way University of Ottawa; Deakin University
  • Janet K. E. Wilson University of Ottawa
  • Jennifer L. Reed University of Ottawa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.703

Keywords:

Physical Activity, Exercise, Atrial Fibrillation, Sex, Gender

Abstract

Background: Canadian physical activity (PA) guidelines recommend moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA, ≥150 min/wk) and strength training (≥2 d/wk). The PA levels, knowledge, outcome expectations (e.g. walking will make me feel better) and task self-efficacy (i.e. confidence in doing PA) of females and males with atrial fibrillation (AF), a burgeoning patient population, are unknown. Purpose: To examine sex-differences in MVPA levels, % of AF patients meeting the PA guidelines; and their associations with PA knowledge, outcome expectations and task self-efficacy. Methods: In this observational cohort study AF patients completed questionnaires including the Short-Form International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Responses were compared between sexes with Mann-Whitney-U and chi-square tests. Spearman correlations were used for sex-specific associations. Results: Of 621 patients, 33% were female. No sex-differences were observed in MVPA (median [95% CI], F:60 [0, 142], M:120 [90, 155] min/wk, p=0.132). Many did not meet the MVPA (F:57%, M:54%, p=0.430) or strength training (F:84%, M:75%, p=0.018) targets. Few patients knew the MVPA (F:14%, M:13%, p=0.230) or strength training (F:40%, M:36%, p=0.151) guidelines. Some patients (F:45%, M:35%, p=0.066) felt PA was unsafe if their heart rate became too fast, which was negatively associated with MVPA in males (ρ=-0.155, p=0.006), not females ( p=0.052). More females did not feel confident doing moderate PA (F:33%, M:21%, p=0.011) or strength training (F:45%, M:32%, p=0.036), which were significantly associated with MVPA (F:ρ=0.464, M:ρ=0.426) and strength training (F:ρ=0.507, M:ρ=0.572). Conclusions: Most AF patients did not meet/know the PA guidelines; strategies to increase knowledge translation of the guidelines and patients' PA confidence are needed. Funding: Servier Inc, Canada. 

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Vidal-Almela, S., Way, K., Wilson, J., & Reed, J. (2021). Sex-differences in physical activity levels, knowledge, outcome expectations and task self-efficacy in atrial fibrillation patients: Oral Presentation C10.2. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.703