Interventions to reduce sedentary behavior in adults with cardiovascular disease: A scoping review

Abstract

Background Individuals with cardiovascular disease spend much time being sedentary, while sedentary behavior is associated with increased cardiovascular risk as an independent, modifiable factor. However, there is no synthesis of evidence on sedentary behavior interventions for adult cardiac patients. This scoping review aimed to identify interventions to reduce sedentary behavior in adults with cardiovascular disease. Methods Arksey and O'malley's scoping review methodological framework guided the implementation of the review. Seven databases were searched from inception to January 23, 2022 with manually searched reference lists. We included 11 eligible studies involving interventions for sedentary behavior in adults with cardiovascular disease. Data were extracted regarding intervention characteristics, types, delivery formats, and outcome measurements. Results Multiple intervention types and delivery modes were applied, but few were theory-based. Of all the studies, seven interventions were delivered through mobile or internet technologies. Self-monitoring of behavior is the most common behavior change technique used in interventions. Most studies significantly reduced sedentary behavior after the interventions, but the long-term follow-up effects remain uncertain. Conclusions Sedentary behavior in adults with cardiovascular disease holds promise for reduction after interventions, but its long-term adherence needs to be explored. Additionally, future interventions are recommended to use multiple behavior change techniques to reduce sedentary behavior and clarify specific patterns of sedentary behavior reduction.