Feasibility of an evidence and theory-informed behavioural intervention ‘BeActive-HF’ designed to increase physical activity levels of adults with heart failure.

Background: Heart failure (HF) affects approximately 1 million people in the United Kingdom (UK). It has a large symptomatic burden that impacts negatively on quality of life. Increasing physical activity (PA) can improve symptoms of HF and quality of life (QoL).

Aim: To establish the feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of a theory and evidence-informed behavioural intervention ‘BeActive-HF’ from the perspective of adults with HF and healthcare professionals (HCPs), and explore the impact on PA levels and QoL in adults with HF.

Methods: A multi-centre feasibility study was conducted across three NHS trusts in Northeast England. HCPs were trained to deliver Be-Active-HF to adults with HF during routine outpatient and community appointments over 12-months. Socio-demographics, PA (Actigraph GT3X) and QoL (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire) data were collected at baseline, 6 and 12-months. Adults with HF and HCPs were interviewed to explore acceptability and fidelity of BeActive-HF.

Results: Seventy-eight people with HF were approached and 31 adults with HF participated (68% male; mean age 68±14 years) and 26 HCPs completed training (88% female; mean age 46±9 years; mean length of time in role 81±84 months). Interviews with 12 HCPs confirmed that training led to acquisition of new skills and methods to promote PA. Interview data from 19 adults with HF confirmed that BeActive-HF was acceptable and led to the positive attitudes about engaging in PA. Most frequently delivered and enacted components of BeActive-HF were chair-based exercises and goal setting (PA behaviour). Improved QoL scores were observed in adults with HF at 6- and 12-months. PA levels (steps per day) were maintained from baseline to 6-months (6,662 and 6,348 respectively), with a modest increase at 12-months follow-up (7,642).

Conclusion: BeActive-HF can be delivered as part of routine clinical practice. Preliminary findings indicate that BeActive-HF may improve QoL. Larger studies are warranted to establish the impact on PA levels.