The Effects of Nurse-Led Motivational Interviewing on Exercise and Quality of Life among Koreans with Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: Patients with heart failure report low levels of physical activity and quality of life, both of which are important predictors of patient prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nurse-led motivational interviewing on self-efficacy for exercise, engagement in regular exercise, exercise capacity, and quality of life among patients with heart failure. Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was used, and 66 Korean participants (i.e., 38 in a control group and 28 in an intervention group) aged 40~80 years who were diagnosed with heart failure were recruited between May 2012 and September 2013. The intervention group received telephone-based motivational interviews twice a week for one month. All participants were assessed for exercise regularity, levels of exercise, exercise capacity, and quality of life at baseline, one month, and three months. The data were analyzed using independent t-tests, repeated measures ANOVA, and nonparametric tests. Results: At one month, there were significant group differences in exercise regularity ( x 2 =6.10, p =.013) and levels of exercise (Z=-2.56, p =.024). There was a significant group-by-time effect on the quality of life (F=3.76, p =.044). Conclusion: Nurse-led motivational interviewing was effective in increasing exercise levels and quality of life in patients with heart failure. In the future, we propose a study with a larger number of participants and a long-term follow-up study with additional contact to maintain the intervention effect.