Management of the pathologic progression of coronary artery disease requires life-style changes in patients, but the level of compliance with medical recommendations is low. Critical care nurses have a unique opportunity to encourage patients to assume responsibility for their health care and life-style behavior. In this study we developed a model to identify the relationships among variables that explained adherence to a recommended exercise regimen. The variables studied included self-efficacy, perceived severity, barriers, benefits, and cues to action.