Influence of a Trans-Theoretical Model Based Intervention on Physical Activity in Hypertensive Patients: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Although physical activity is necessary, but not performed by most hypertensive individuals. One of the most common theoretical frameworks used for understanding health behaviour change is the trans-theoretical model. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a trans-theoretical model based intervention on physical activity in hypertensive patients. Methods: We conducted a randomized clinical trial among 60 hypertensive patients (31 experimental and 29 control). Participants in experimental group received a fast walking intervention based on a trans-theoretical model. Physical activity stages of change, processes of change, frequency, duration and intensity of walking were measured at the onset, 3 and 6 months post-intervention. The data was analyzed using SPSS 22 software. Results: At 3 and 6 months post-intervention a significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups for physical activity stages of change, processes of change, duration and intensity of walking (P < 0.05). Also at 3 months post-intervention a significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups for frequency of walking (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that trans-theoretical model based intervention in hypertensive patients play important roles in an individual’s commitment to participate in physical activity.