JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Lack of physical activity is a critical contributing risk factor to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hence, regular physical activity is a mainstay in primary and secondary prevention of CVD. Despite the extensive promotion of physical activity in both primary and secondary prevention programmes, including cardiac rehabilitation, physical activity levels in the cardiac population remain low. Therefore, it is crucial to understand critical determinants that influence physical activity behaviour.

Objective:

The current study aims to deliver a systematic review of studies with collated observational data exploring the association between determinants and physical activity behaviour in the target population. These new insights inform the design of future interventions targeted at lasting heart-healthy physical activity behaviour in the cardiac population.

Methods:

Primary studies with observational, quantitative data on determinants, and their association with physical activity behaviour in the cardiac population will be included. Information on relevant primary studies will be retrieved from various databases, including Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and Web of Science. Six reviewers will independently double screen articles. Studies will be selected according to the pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data will be extracted and entered into suitable worksheets. The US-based National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's (NHLBI) Study Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Studies will be used to assess the quality of all eligible primary studies. The results will be presented in a descriptive and narrative synthesis. If the type and quality of data is suitable, meta-analyses will be conducted. Study reporting will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PRISMA).

Results:

Data collection started in September 2020 and the literature search was updated in July of 2021. Data synthesis is ongoing and the literature search will be updated in autumn of 2022.

Conclusions:

This review will be valuable to relevant stakeholders, including clinicians and healthcare professionals, intervention developers, and decision-makers in healthcare. It lays a comprehensive foundation for understanding the determinants of physical activity to inform the design of secondary prevention interventions relevant to the cardiac population. Clinical Trial: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) Registration number: CRD42020206637.