Patients with heart diseases are encouraged to engage in regular physical activity (PA). However, several barriers hamper the implementation of a physically active lifestyle in a sustainable way. The objective of this study was to assess the medium-term impact of a physical activity seminar with motivational counseling on barriers to physical activity and PA in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.

We conducted a seminar for CAD patients, consisting of 4 successive days of physical activities (Nordic walking, Tai Chi, Qi Gong…) with initial motivational interview and personalized counseling at the end of the stay. Participants completed the BArriers to Physical Activity in Coronary heart disease (BAPAC) questionnaire at the beginning and end of the seminar and 3 months later. They also completed the Dijon Physical Activity Score (DPAS) at the beginning of the seminar and 3 months later.

Eleven patients participated in the seminar (9 men, 2 women, 63±8.4 years), had CAD diagnosed for 5.8±4 years and were predominantly overweight/obese (mean BMI: 29.3±3kg/m²). No adverse events were reported. At the beginning of the seminar, the average BAPAC score was 29.5±8/60 with an average DAPS of 20.8±3/30. At the end of the seminar, the mean BAPAC score was lower: 23.8±7/60 (P<0.001). Barriers that improved significantly were: fear of heart attack, insufficient fitness, shortness of breath, lack of motivation and fear of another cardiovascular problem. Three months after the seminar, the mean BAPAC score was still lower than before: 26.1±6/60 (P<0.05) and the DAPS did not significantly change: 21.5±3/30.

A physical activity seminar with motivational interviews and personalized counseling on PA quickly reduces the barriers to physical activity in CAD patients, measured by the BAPAC questionnaire. Beneficial effect persists 3 months after the intervention. However, these changes are not associated with a significant increase in PA measured by the Dijon physical activity score. Further studies are needed to assess the sensitivity to change of the BAPAC questionnaire and the long-term correlation between the PA barriers removal and the increase in PA.