A community-based, sport-led programme to increase physical activity in an area of deprivation: a qualitative case study

Abstract

Background: Engaging in physical activity is essential for maintaining mental and physical health but a high proportion of adults are inactive, especially in areas of socioeconomic deprivation. We evaluated a novel exercise referral scheme funded by Sport England and run by a social enterprise in an area of socioeconomic deprivation in inner London. This study aimed to examine the experiences of participants and staff and to identify barriers and facilitators of implementation and participation in this and potentially similar projects. Methods: Thirty-five semi-structured interviews with project participants (N = 25) and staff members involved with the project (N = 10) were conducted based at one centre in London in 2017/2018. The interview schedule was informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Data was analysed using the Framework method and NVivo software. Results: Three themes emerged from the data: 'Not like your regular gym', Individual journeys and Practical aspects of the scheme. Study participants regarded the environment of the project centre as friendly and sociable. The project differed from a commercial gym by offering free or subsidised membership and the participation of people of all sizes and abilities. Classes were provided free of charge and this, together with mentor support, facilitated participation and continuation in the project. Participants reported changes not only in their physical activity level, but also in their physical and mental health. Additionally, their families' lifestyle changes were reported. Difficulties of accessing the project included lack of awareness of the project and lack of engagement from key referring groups. Conclusions: Providing free or subsidised classes incorporating individualised assessment, follow-up and support appeared to facilitate engagement in physical activity among socioeconomically deprived populations. The supportive social context of the centre was a major facilitator. Differing levels of abilities and health status among participants call for special attention. Increasing community and referrer awareness of available exercise referral schemes and enhancing communication between sources of referrals and project staff may help to address access issues.

Barriers and facilitators to adopting healthier lifestyle among low‐income women in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative study

“… 6 Group sessions were viewed as providing personal connections with peers, which acted as a motivating factor for continuous engagement with behaviour change programs. 9 Although most women in our study preferred future behaviour change intervention to be provided face‐to‐face, virtual interventions were seen to have some potential benefits. Ease of access and continuation were cited as potential benefits of virtual intervention.…”

“…A review of community‐based interventions in low‐income communities in the United Kingdom suggests that providing socially inclusive and enjoyable activities can improve program acceptability 6 . Group sessions were viewed as providing personal connections with peers, which acted as a motivating factor for continuous engagement with behaviour change programs 9 . Although most women in our study preferred future behaviour change intervention to be provided face‐to‐face, virtual interventions were seen to have some potential benefits.…”

“… 7 Previous studies suggested that providing social support and tailored interventions in groups of like‐minded companions seemed to facilitate change among low SES groups. 7 , 9 , 10 However, most evidence is conducted in developed countries, and less is known about factors that influence behaviour and facilitate change among low SES individuals in Saudi Arabia, specifically women. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate low SES women's barriers and facilitators to engaging in healthy lifestyles and to explore their accounts in developing behaviour change interventions.…”

“…Concerns over neighbourhood safety and lack of time and energy were more commonly reported barriers to physical activity among low SES groups 7 . Previous studies suggested that providing social support and tailored interventions in groups of like‐minded companions seemed to facilitate change among low SES groups 7,9,10 . However, most evidence is conducted in developed countries, and less is known about factors that influence behaviour and facilitate change among low SES individuals in Saudi Arabia, specifically women.…”

Reflections, Impact and Future Recommendations Following ‘Prime Time of Life’ – an Online 12-week Multimodal Physical Activity and Health Education Programme for Middle Aged and Older Adults in Laois

“…Similar to findings reported by Bethancourt et al (2014), motivating factors for programme utilisation included having instructors who were motivating and equipped with the knowledge to work with older populations with clinical conditions, having the ability to attend preferred exercise class times and having access to free classes. It has been previously noted that staff who deliver exercise programmes can lack the skills required to deal with specific medical conditions (Garner-Purkis et al 2020). In our study, participants received exercise education from a clinical exercise physiologist and had access to on-demand health resources including health education notes, exercise circuits and videos to facilitate learning for participants living with and without clinical conditions.…”