A qualitative longitudinal study of motivation in the REtirement in ACTion (REACT) physical activity intervention for older adults with mobility limitations
Abstract Background Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for older adults’ health, however they remain the least active age group in the UK. This qualitative longitudinal study aims to understand motivations in older adults receiving the REACT physical activity intervention, through the lens of self...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2023-04-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-023-01434-0 |
| _version_ | 1827956591520907264 |
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| author | Rosina Cross Colin Greaves Janet Withall Marlene Kritz Afroditi Stathi |
| author_facet | Rosina Cross Colin Greaves Janet Withall Marlene Kritz Afroditi Stathi |
| author_sort | Rosina Cross |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for older adults’ health, however they remain the least active age group in the UK. This qualitative longitudinal study aims to understand motivations in older adults receiving the REACT physical activity intervention, through the lens of self-determination theory. Methods Participants were older adults randomised to the intervention arm of the Retirement in ACTion (REACT) Study, a group-based physical activity and behaviour maintenance intervention to prevent decline of physical functioning in older adults (≥ 65 years). Stratified purposive sampling by physical functioning (Short Physical Performance Battery scores) and 3-month attendance was employed. Fifty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted at 6, 12 and 24-months with twenty-nine older adults (Mean age (baseline) = 77.9 years, SD 6.86, 69% female) and at 24-months with twelve session leaders and two service managers. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Framework Analysis. Results Perceptions of autonomy, competence and relatedness were associated with adherence to the REACT programme and maintenance of an active lifestyle. Motivational processes and participants’ support needs, changed during the 12-month REACT intervention and across the 12-months post-intervention. Group interactions were an important source of motivation during the first six months but increased competence and mobility drove motivation at the later stages (12 months) and post-intervention (24 months). Conclusions Motivational support needs vary in different stages of a 12-month group-based programme (adoption and adherence) and post-intervention (long-term maintenance). Strategies to accommodate those needs include, (a) making exercise social and enjoyable, (b) understanding participants’ capabilities and tailoring the programme accordingly, (c) capitalising on group support to motivate participants to try other activities and prepare sustainable active living plans. Trial registration The REACT study was a pragmatic multi-centre, two-arm, single-blind, parallel-group, RCT (ISRCTN registration number 45627165). |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-09T15:06:22Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-701d658b9bcd41418213dc9889438f16 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1479-5868 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-09T15:06:22Z |
| publishDate | 2023-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity |
| spelling | doaj.art-701d658b9bcd41418213dc9889438f162023-04-30T11:28:38ZengBMCInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity1479-58682023-04-0120111410.1186/s12966-023-01434-0A qualitative longitudinal study of motivation in the REtirement in ACTion (REACT) physical activity intervention for older adults with mobility limitationsRosina Cross0Colin Greaves1Janet Withall2Marlene Kritz3Afroditi Stathi4Department for Health, University of BathSchool of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of BirminghamSchool of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of BirminghamCurtin School of Population Health, Curtin UniversitySchool of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of BirminghamAbstract Background Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for older adults’ health, however they remain the least active age group in the UK. This qualitative longitudinal study aims to understand motivations in older adults receiving the REACT physical activity intervention, through the lens of self-determination theory. Methods Participants were older adults randomised to the intervention arm of the Retirement in ACTion (REACT) Study, a group-based physical activity and behaviour maintenance intervention to prevent decline of physical functioning in older adults (≥ 65 years). Stratified purposive sampling by physical functioning (Short Physical Performance Battery scores) and 3-month attendance was employed. Fifty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted at 6, 12 and 24-months with twenty-nine older adults (Mean age (baseline) = 77.9 years, SD 6.86, 69% female) and at 24-months with twelve session leaders and two service managers. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Framework Analysis. Results Perceptions of autonomy, competence and relatedness were associated with adherence to the REACT programme and maintenance of an active lifestyle. Motivational processes and participants’ support needs, changed during the 12-month REACT intervention and across the 12-months post-intervention. Group interactions were an important source of motivation during the first six months but increased competence and mobility drove motivation at the later stages (12 months) and post-intervention (24 months). Conclusions Motivational support needs vary in different stages of a 12-month group-based programme (adoption and adherence) and post-intervention (long-term maintenance). Strategies to accommodate those needs include, (a) making exercise social and enjoyable, (b) understanding participants’ capabilities and tailoring the programme accordingly, (c) capitalising on group support to motivate participants to try other activities and prepare sustainable active living plans. Trial registration The REACT study was a pragmatic multi-centre, two-arm, single-blind, parallel-group, RCT (ISRCTN registration number 45627165).https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-023-01434-0ExerciseAgeingRandomised Controlled TrialMotivationGroupMaintenance |
| spellingShingle | Rosina Cross Colin Greaves Janet Withall Marlene Kritz Afroditi Stathi A qualitative longitudinal study of motivation in the REtirement in ACTion (REACT) physical activity intervention for older adults with mobility limitations International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Exercise Ageing Randomised Controlled Trial Motivation Group Maintenance |
| title | A qualitative longitudinal study of motivation in the REtirement in ACTion (REACT) physical activity intervention for older adults with mobility limitations |
| title_full | A qualitative longitudinal study of motivation in the REtirement in ACTion (REACT) physical activity intervention for older adults with mobility limitations |
| title_fullStr | A qualitative longitudinal study of motivation in the REtirement in ACTion (REACT) physical activity intervention for older adults with mobility limitations |
| title_full_unstemmed | A qualitative longitudinal study of motivation in the REtirement in ACTion (REACT) physical activity intervention for older adults with mobility limitations |
| title_short | A qualitative longitudinal study of motivation in the REtirement in ACTion (REACT) physical activity intervention for older adults with mobility limitations |
| title_sort | qualitative longitudinal study of motivation in the retirement in action react physical activity intervention for older adults with mobility limitations |
| topic | Exercise Ageing Randomised Controlled Trial Motivation Group Maintenance |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-023-01434-0 |
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