Barriers to and Motives for Engagement with respect to Exercise Programmes for Chronic Disease Management

Abstract

Background: Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a leading risk factor for premature death worldwide. The Health Service Executive (HSE) National Exercise Referral Framework (NERF) aims to improve PA levels to manage NCDs. ULMedX is one such NERF centre offering an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) programme with the aim of intervention development to maximise adherence for optimal health benefits. Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore participants’ experiences of the motives and barriers faced for programme commitment. Identifying areas for future development were also prioritized. Design & setting: Qualitative interviews were conducted with long-term participants and people who have dropped-out (PWDO) at ULMedX.Methods: Guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour the 1-1 semi-structured interviews were performed, transcribed, and evaluated through thematic analysis. Results: Analysis was performed on 14 participants (50% female; mean age 67.3 years), comprising long term adherers (n=7; 13-month duration, 64% of classes) and PWDO (n=7; 2.8 month duration, 22% of classes). Three major factors affecting attendance emerged: social support, perceived outcomes from participation and practical barriers to attendance. Areas for future development included provision of evening and advanced classes, psychological support, more exercise variety, more educational seminars, new members start as their own group. Conclusion: Individuals were more likely to have had a better experience and commit to the programme if they believed involvement would benefit their physical and mental health, increase their exercise motivation by engendering a positive attitude to exercise, and that the ability to attend was within their control.