Abstract
BackgroundThis study aims to explore exercise therapists’ perspectives on the topic of physical activity promotion (PAP) with a focus on identifying (i) the intervention content and methodological approaches used for promoting physical activity (PA) in daily practice and (ii) the barriers and facilitators that affect PAP.MethodsThis qualitative study comprised the heads of exercise therapy departments (n = 58; 41% women; mean age = 45 years) from different rehabilitation clinics in Germany. Each participant took part in a semi-structured focus-group discussion on PAP in exercise therapy. The findings of the focus groups were processed and interpreted using a conventional qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe exercise therapists demonstrated detailed didactic–methodological strategies and action orientations for PAP. The identified core topics of the content and methods of PAP were (1) conceptualization, (2) exercise and PA for enjoyment and pleasure, (3) education with practice–theory combinations, (4) media and materials for self-directed training, and (5) strategies to enhance personal responsibility and independence. The core topics for the associated barriers and facilitators were (1) structural conditions, (2) the role of exercise therapists, (3) the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team, (4) rehabilitant experiences and expectations, and (5) aftercare services.ConclusionThe topic of PAP is addressed with a high level of variability; exercise therapists involved in this study identify various methods and content for the promotion of PA within their individual practices. However, they display a limited awareness of existing evidence- and theory-based concepts for the promotion of PA as well as underlying theories of behavioural change. This variability may be due to the lack of a defined common framework for promoting PA, insufficient emphasis being placed on PA promotion in the current curricula and training, or extensive conceptual differences within German exercise therapy departments (e.g. different weighting of PAP).
Highlights
This study aims to explore exercise therapists’ perspectives on the topic of physical activity promotion (PAP) with a focus on identifying (i) the intervention content and methodological approaches used for promoting physical activity (PA) in daily practice and (ii) the barriers and facilitators that affect PAP
This study aims to explore the views of exercise therapists on PAP and identify 1) the didactical–methodological approaches that exercise therapists use with the aim of promoting PA and 2) the facilitators and barriers that affect PAP
Part 1 lists the identified main categories of the content and methods of PAP reported by exercise therapists
Summary
This study aims to explore exercise therapists’ perspectives on the topic of physical activity promotion (PAP) with a focus on identifying (i) the intervention content and methodological approaches used for promoting physical activity (PA) in daily practice and (ii) the barriers and facilitators that affect PAP. Physical activity promotion (PAP) is a central goal of exercise therapy [1, 2]. Exercise training (e.g. endurance or strengthening exercises) is the most common strategy used to modify physical activity (PA) levels in people with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but their average increases in PA levels remain low at roughly 10% [3]. This systematic review from Mantoani et al [3] elicits that seven out of 21 exercise studies showed no substantial increases in PA in persons with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Long-term adherence to PA after exercise-based rehabilitation is typically poor for other health conditions, including low back pain [4] and cardiovascular disease [5, 6]. Morris and Jenkins [7] conclude that therapists often fail to achieve and maintain significant increases in PA with their clients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
