Perceived Facilitators of Physical Activity Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Qualitative Study

Following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, people are required to navigate the majority of their physical recovery, including progressive engagement in physical activity, after they leave hospital. However, there are many physical and psychological challenges to physical activity during the early recovery period. The aim of this study was to identify facilitating factors that help overcome such challenges to physical activity following CABG surgery. A qualitative descriptive study using semistructured interviews (n = 22) was undertaken. Data analysis was informed by the COM-B model and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and performed using the Framework Method. Interview data were first inductively coded to identify factors that facilitated physical activity followed by a deductive analysis to group these facilitators under the relevant COM-B and TDF headings. Facilitators relevant to all 6 COM-B elements and 13 of 14 TDF domains were identified. Although having physical capability and physical opportunity were important, the most prevalent facilitators identified by participants as being helpful related to psychological capability (for example, knowledge, having a plan, identifying barriers and coming up with solutions, and listening to their body), reflective motivation (for example, goals, experiencing positive benefits from activity, and being optimistic and determined), and social opportunity (for example, support from family, health professionals, and peers). Psychosocial facilitators play a large role in overcoming barriers to physical activity following CABG surgery. The findings provide insight for clinicians regarding potential factors to address when preparing and supporting people to engage in physical activity.