Relationship between physical activity level and functional mobility, quality of life, self-management and self-efficacy in individuals with hypertension

Introduction Hypertension is a chronic condition that adversely affects functional capacity, daily activities, and well-being. Physical activity is a key component of non-pharmacological management and may be linked to better mobility, higher quality of life, and improved self-management and self-efficacy. These factors, reflecting confidence and ability to manage one’s condition, are important for long-term lifestyle modification. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between physical activity level and functional mobility, quality of life, self-management, and self-efficacy in individuals with hypertension. Methods Forty-two adults with hypertension (26 females, 61.9%; 16 males, 38.1%; mean age 46.9 ± 7.1 years) were included. Median disease duration was 42 months (6–240). Body mass index was 29.3 ± 3.9 kg/m²; waist circumference 100.1 ± 9.7 cm. Physical activity was assessed with the IPAQ total score (645.9 ± 450.9 MET-min/week). Functional mobility was evaluated with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test (7.38 ± 1.04 s). Quality of life was assessed using EQ-5D-5L (0.68 ± 0.14) and EQ-5D-5L VAS (71.1 ± 13.7 mm). Self-management (33.9 ± 5.5) and self-efficacy (35.5 ± 5.8) were measured with the Heart Health Self-Efficacy and Self-Management Scale. As several variables were not normally distributed (Shapiro–Wilk test), relationships were examined with Spearman correlations. Results Higher physical activity was moderately and positively correlated with self-management (ρ = 0.627, p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (ρ = 0.620, p < 0.001). Physical activity also showed positive correlations with perceived quality of life (ρ = 0.483, p = 0.001) and global quality of life (ρ = 0.370, p = 0.016). The correlation between physical activity and TUG was not significant (ρ = –0.281, p = 0.071), though a trend toward better mobility with higher activity was observed. Self-management and self-efficacy were strongly correlated (ρ = 0.973, p < 0.001) and associated with better mobility (TUG: ρ = –0.312, p = 0.045; ρ = –0.346, p = 0.025). Both were positively correlated with perceived quality of life (ρ ≈ 0.48, p = 0.001). Perceived quality of life was negatively associated with TUG (ρ = –0.479, p = 0.001), indicating better mobility with higher well-being. Conclusions In individuals with hypertension, higher physical activity is associated with better quality of life and higher self-management and self-efficacy. Although the relationship between physical activity and functional mobility was not significant, self-management and self-efficacy showed meaningful associations with mobility. These findings highlight the importance of promoting physical activity and supporting self-management and self-efficacy to improve mobility and overall quality of life.