Table 1 Description of behavior change techniques used in the study
BCTs according to CT | Behavioral medicine intervention | Routine exCR care only |
|---|---|---|
Specific goal setting | Detailed planning that specified what to do, the exercise dose and the context in which the exercise is to be performed | General planning regarding what to do, the exercise dose and the context in which the exercise is to be performed |
Action plan with strategies to promote possible facilitators and overcome barriers | No action plan was developed | |
The patient’s motivation and self-efficacy for initiating and maintaining the exCR program were self-rated using a visual analogue scale and discussed in relation to the goals set | No self-rating or discussion about motivation and self-efficacy for initiating and maintaining the exCR in relation to the goals set | |
Review of behavior goals | The previously set exercise goals were comprehensively and structurally reviewed and/or reconsidered every third week during the intervention and at the end of the intervention | No structured review of exercise goals during the intervention. A less comprehensive and structural review at the end of the intervention |
Self-monitoring of behavior | Patients kept a record of exercise in a diary, which was regularly followed up every three weeks during the exCR period | Patients kept a record of exercise in a diary, which was not followed up during the exCR period |
Providing feedback on performance | Structured, comprehensive feedback every three weeks, including positive feedback on achieved goals, supporting feedback in relation to barriers, and the opportunity to discuss strategies to increase adherence | General feedback on performance during exercise sessions for patients participating in hospital-based exCR, and no feedback during the intervention for patients participating in a home-based setting |
Additional visual feedback on physical activity levels, using accelerometer data at one time during the intervention | No visual feedback on physical activity levels | |
Structured follow-up meeting at the end of the intervention to discuss how the intervention had been perceived, goal achievement, long-term exercise goal setting, and potential future barriers, facilitators, and strategies | Less extensive structured and comprehensive follow-up meeting at the end of the intervention |