Understanding physical activity facilitators and barriers during and following a supervised exercise programme in Type 2 diabetes: a qualitative study

Abstract

Aims To assess barriers and facilitators of participation in a supervised exercise programme, and adherence to exercise after programme completion.Methods Focus group discussions addressed factors which could facilitate attendance, current engagement in exercise, reasons for continuing or discontinuing regular exercise and ways to integrate exercise into daily life. Three focus groups, with a total of 16 participants, were led by a trained moderator; audiotapes were transcribed verbatim; transcripts were coded and themes were identified. Themes that recurred across all three focus groups were considered to have achieved saturation.Results Motivation was the most critical factor in exercising both during and following the programme. Participants appreciated the monitoring, encouragement and accountability provided by programme staff. They voiced a need for better transition to post-programme realities of less support and supervision. Co-morbid conditions were apt to derail them from a regular exercise routine. They viewed the optimal programme as having even greater scheduling flexibility and being closer to them geographically. Post-programme, walking emerged as the most frequent form of physical activity.Conclusions Adults with Type 2 diabetes require long-term monitoring and support for physical activity and exercise.Diabet. Med. 27, 79-84 (2010)

Outcomes of a community-based lifestyle programme for adults with diabetes or pre-diabetes

“…In previous qualitative studies of exercise programmes, social support has been a critical component of acceptability to people with diabetes and prediabetes. 16,49,50 Social support developed from relationships built between the staff, students and participants. Self-management skills strengthened as participants felt more motivated, confident, and safe in the supportive environment and were empowered to engage more with exercise: this may explain the beneficial self-efficacy findings.…”

“…These barriers to exercise have been identified by others. 49,55 The mean age for participants lost to follow-up was 54 years, suggesting these younger participants were still working so flexibility in programme scheduling may be desirable to improve adherence.…”

Evidências sobre efeitos da atividade física no controle glicêmico: importância da adesão a programas de atenção em diabetes

“…Os autores verificaram que enquanto as mulheres valorizavam a prática de atividades em grupo em função do suporte social e emocional, os homens se sentiam estimulados pela aquisição de informações sobre a doença e, consequentemente, pelo aumento de seu controle sobre ela através do exercício. Adicionalmente, Casey et al 64 observaram que a motivação intrínseca foi o principal fator que influenciou a permanência de adultos com DM2 em um programa de atividade física. Os autores também observaram que melhoras progressivas no quadro clíni-co, perda de massa corporal e diminuição ou supressão do uso de medicamentos eram fortes motivadores à adesão.…”

Web-Based Exercise as an Effective Complementary Treatment for Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Intervention Study (Preprint)

“…Web-based interventions are essential to bridge the treatment gap between demand and supply [81,82]. In a study conducted by Casey, patients with diabetes stated that they need a better transition strategy to subsequent post-intervention realities of less support [83]. Furthermore, from the patient's point of view, scheduling flexibility and geographical proximity are important factors that should be taken into account [83].…”

“…In a study conducted by Casey, patients with diabetes stated that they need a better transition strategy to subsequent post-intervention realities of less support [83]. Furthermore, from the patient's point of view, scheduling flexibility and geographical proximity are important factors that should be taken into account [83]. Even the most powerful individualized exercise program enhances the patient's situation sustainably only, if patients are able to transfer the regular activity into their daily routine [84].…”