Abstract P287: Autonomy Supportive Healthcare Providers Influence Self-Determined Motivation for Physical Activity in Women With Cardiovascular Disease

Introduction: Data consistently indicate women with CVD do not regularly engage in physical activity (PA) at levels recommended to reduce CVD risk. Evidence supports healthcare providers delivering health behavior recommendations using an autonomy supportive approach may enhance self-determined motivation to initiate behavior change and support ongoing maintenance of healthy behavior. However, this has not been well documented in women with CVD. It was hypothesized that: 1) greater perceived autonomy support from healthcare providers by women with CVD would be associated with greater autonomous motivation and greater perceived competence for physical activity as well as greater physical activity itself, and 2) perceived autonomy support, perceived competence for PA, and autonomous motivation, would predict greater physical activity in women with CVD. Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational study with a convenience sample of 103 predominantly white (93.2%), educated (92.3%), community-dwelling, English speaking women (mean age 64.7 years [SD 10.3]), with a self-reported history of CVD was conducted. Data were obtained via reliable and valid self-report questionnaires measuring demographic and clinical variables (age, social support, depressive symptoms, CVD symptoms, comorbidity), motivation-related variables (perceived autonomy support, autonomous motivation, perceived competence), PA, and perceived PA limitations. Relationships among the motivation-related variables, PA, and PA limitations were examined using hierarchical multiple linear regression. Greater perceived autonomy support from healthcare providers was significantly associated with greater autonomous motivation (r = .26, p Conclusions: Findings support the association between an autonomy supportive approach by healthcare providers and autonomous or self-determined motivation for PA in women with CVD. Perceived competence in ability to be physically active predicted perception of PA limitations in this population. Interventional studies testing effects of autonomy support from healthcare providers on motivation for PA in women with CVD are needed.