Influence of a Trans-Theoretical Model Based Intervention on Physical Activity in Hypertensive Patients: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Background Although physical activity is necessary, but not performed by most hypertensive individuals. One of the most common theoretical frameworks used for understanding health behaviour change is the trans-theoretical model. Objectives This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a trans-theoretical model based intervention on physical activity in hypertensive patients. Methods We conducted a randomized clinical trial among 60 hypertensive patients (31 experimental and 29 control). Participants in experimental group received a fast walking intervention based on a trans-theoretical model. Physical activity stages of change, processes of change, frequency, duration and intensity of walking were measured at the onset, 3 and 6 months post-intervention. The data was analyzed using SPSS 22 software. Results At 3 and 6 months post-intervention a significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups for physical activity stages of change, processes of change, duration and intensity of walking (P < 0.05). Also at 3 months post-intervention a significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups for frequency of walking (P < 0.05). Conclusions This study suggests that trans-theoretical model based intervention in hypertensive patients play important roles in an individual’s commitment to participate in physical activity.