Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of exercise rehabilitation intervention by using self-efficacy theory on patients with chronic stable heart failure, and to provide evidences for rehabilitation nursing of patients. Methods Using the method of randomized controlled studies, 132 patients with chronic stable heart failure from Nanshitou Street and Shayuan Street communities in Haizhu, Guangzhou, Guangdong were randomly divided into two groups according to the community's name. The patients in the intervention group received self-efficacy and education intervention while the control group received health education only. The patients' exercise self-efficacy scores and six minute walk distances were separately measured by exercise self-efficacy scale and six minute walk test before and after intervention. Results The scores of exercise self-efficacy and six minute walk distances increased more significantly in the intervention group than in the control group after intervention (P<0.01). Conclusion Self-efficacy and education intervention can effectively improve the exercise self-efficacy and six minute walk distance of patients with heart failure.

Key words: heart failure, self-efficacy, 6 minute walk test, exercise rehabilitation, nursing care