A Theory-Based Multifactorial Intervention to Increase Lower Limb Exercise and Progress in Healing for Adults with Venous Leg Ulcers

Monday, 30 July 2012

Jane O'Brien, MApplSci, BN, BApplSc1
Helen Ethel Edwards, OAM, PhD, BA, (Hons), BA, DipApSc, RN2
Kathleen Finlayson, BN, MNsg1
Graham Kerr, PhD3
(1)School of Nursing, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
(2)School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
(3)Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Domain, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia

Learning Objective 1: Gain an appreciation of Social Cognitive Theory which will underpin the proposed multisite randomised controlled trial.

Learning Objective 2: Understand the importance of self-efficacy in chronic disease management and how it can be influenced to improve health outcomes for patients.

Purpose: The objective of this poster presentation is to provide an overview of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) in relation to exercise and older adults as a theoretical framework for this study [1, 2].

Methods: An extensive literature review has been undertaken on theoretical underpinnings of interventions related to exercise in older adults. The literature was reviewed in 3 areas: 1) exploration of theories relating to chronic disease management and exercise 2) a review of the types and methods of theory based interventions relating to exercise and adults with chronic disease; 3) an analysis of the effectiveness of theory based interventions relating to exercise and adults with chronic disease with regard to disease outcomes.

Results: Findings from the review are that a number of theories have been used in chronic disease management and exercise with older adults. A review of the effectiveness of interventions in older adults with chronic disease has found evidence to support the use of SCT. The primary intervention strategy for this study is to enhance self-efficacy which is the main construct of SCT and is known to be an important predictor of exercise. Facets of SCT will be integrated into this intervention such as; goal setting, self-monitoring, reinforcement and cognitive reframing, which are accepted as effective means of promoting physical activity.

Conclusion: It is expected that a strong theoretical framework for this study will increase the likelihood of a successful intervention promoting lower limb exercises in this patient population.

References: 

1.         Bandura, A., Social foundations of thought and action1986, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

2.         Bandura, A., Self-efficacy: The exercise of control1997, New York: W. H Freeman and Co.

 “This work is supported by the Wound Management Innovation CRC (established and supported under the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Program)”.