A nurse-led COM-B-based walking intervention to improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation: A randomized controlled trial.
Ayse Ucar, Selda Arslan
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated a 12-week nurse-led, COM-B-based walking intervention in patients with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation. The programme combined education, pedometer-supported walking and weekly calls; 75 participants with complete longitudinal data were analysed. Compared with control, the intervention produced significant group-by-time effects in five of eight SF-36 domains and reduced symptom severity (interaction F = 23.258, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.242). The week-12 between-group symptom-severity mean difference was -5.14 (SE = 1.25, 95% CI -7.64 to -2.64). AF burden did not differ over time.
Key findings
- Significant group-by-time effects occurred in five SF-36 domains: physical functioning, emotional role limitations, vitality/energy, social functioning and bodily pain.
- Symptom severity showed a significant group-by-time interaction (F = 23.258, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.242); the week-12 mean difference was -5.14 (SE = 1.25, 95% CI -7.64 to -2.64).
- AF burden did not differ between groups over time (p = 0.767).
Why it matters
The findings suggest that structured nurse support paired with walking may improve several aspects of perceived health and reduce symptom severity in people with persistent or permanent AF, even when measured AF burden is unchanged. This distinction is clinically relevant because symptom experience and rhythm burden are separate outcomes; the trial does not show that symptom improvement reflects reduced AF burden.
What to keep in mind
The analysis included 75 participants with complete longitudinal data, and follow-up was limited to 12 weeks. Larger, longer trials are needed, as the authors note.