PURPOSE: In Australia, patient adherence to physical activity after a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) is poor. This study evaluated the efficacy of a pedometer-based intervention to increase physical activity after CRP. METHODS: Patients (n = 110) who had attended a CRP were randomized into an intervention or a control group. The 6-week intervention included self-monitored physical activity using a pedometer and step calendar and 2 behavioral counseling and goal-setting sessions. Self-reported physical activity and psychosocial status were collected at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months. Participant exercise capacity was measured using a gas exchange analysis system. RESULTS: Study groups were not significantly different at baseline, except for occupation. At 6 weeks and 6 months, improvements in total physical activity sessions (p = 0.002 and p = 0.016, respectively), walking minutes (p = 0.013, 6 weeks only), and walking sessions (p < 0.001 and p = 0.035) in the intervention group were significantly greater than those in the control group after adjusting for baseline differences. At 6 months, total physical activity minutes in the intervention group also increased significantly more than those in the control group (p = 0.044). These self-reported behavioral changes were corroborated by improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness at 6 months in the intervention group (p = 0.01). There were also significant improvements in psychosocial health at 6 weeks and 6 months in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: The pedometer-based intervention was successful in increasing physical activity in cardiac patients after a CRP. This intervention could be given to patients to promote adherence to physical activity guidelines after a CRP, particularly in centers where maintenance programs are not available.
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