“It’s a Life Thing, Not a Few Months Thing”: Profiling Patterns of the Physical Activity Change Process and Associated Strategies of Women With Prediabetes Over 1 Year

Abstract

ObjectivesEngagement in regular physical activity (PA) is a cornerstone prevention strategy for individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Interventions targeting PA often fail to result in long-term behaviour changes. “Small Steps for Big Changes” is a 3-week diabetes prevention program that promotes PA behaviour changes in individuals with prediabetes through motivational interviewing-informed counselling. MethodsIn this study, we aimed to: a) profile patterns of women’s perceived PA journey over 1 year and b) understand strategies used to engage in and maintain PA. Fourteen women (mean age, 60 years) engaged in 4 semistructured interviews (preprogram, postprogram and 3 and 12 months postprogram) over 1 year (56 total interviews). A trajectory approach was used, coupled with a deductive‒inductive thematic analysis. Findings are presented descriptively and chronologically over 1 year. ResultsTo address the first study aim, 4 patterns emerged: a) consistently inactive: minimal change; b) increase and maintenance of PA levels; c) peak in and maintenance of PA levels and d) consistently active: minimal increase, yet maintenance. Generally, women reported higher PA levels after completing the Small Steps for Big Changes program compared with preprogram levels. Related to the second aim, a range of facilitators and barriers were identified, as well as strategies used to facilitate engagement in and maintenance of PA over 1 year. Participants reporting more strategies to engage in PA were more likely to engage in PA. Commonly used strategies include being self-compassionate and practicing self-regulatory techniques (e.g. goal-setting, planning, self-monitoring). ConclusionsDiabetes prevention programs that assist participants in utilizing relevant PA strategies during an intervention may witness long-term maintenance of PA behaviour.