Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Individuals with heart failure and COPD demonstrate improvements during formal rehabilitation, but their function declines after completing the program. The main reason for this decline is a lack of exercise once the program is finished. This study examined the barriers that these individuals experience with respect to exercising in the community. Individuals with heart failure and COPD identified cost, physical symptoms, and a lack of healthcare professional support as the primary barriers to exercise in the community. Healthcare providers perceived physical symptoms, lack of motivation, and a lack of support to be the primary barriers. Patients reported that access to a case manager, a condition-specific program, and healthcare professional support would encourage their ability to exercise. Overall, healthcare providers perceive more barriers to exercise than their patients do. Both groups perceive facilitators to have a strong impact on participation.