Background Physical activity (PA) is a well-documented and accepted adjunct therapy for the maintenance and improvement of long-term health in cystic fibrosis (CF). Although the benefits of PA for CF populations are well-established, adherence to PA programmes within this population remains low. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence engagement in physical activity, and to explore exercise preferences, among adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. Participants were twenty-one adults (mean age 35 years, SD ± 8) with an established diagnosis of CF, living in Ireland. Interview scripts were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Four main themes emerged: barriers, motives, value of exercise-related outcomes, and exercise preferences. The main barriers included: low energy levels, time, the weather, and exercise-related confidence. Enjoyment and perceived competence underpinned autonomous motivation. Participants who self-identified as being regularly active valued personally identified exercise-related outcomes such as, accomplishment and affect regulation. Participants indicated a preference for home-based physical activity programs compared to gym- or facility-based programs. Conclusion Interventions aimed at promoting physical activity among adults with CF should involve programs that foster autonomous motivation, enjoyable activities, personally identified outcomes, competence and that can be conducted from the home environment. Clinical implications To increase physical activity participation among adults with CF, interventions that can be conducted from the home environment, that pay attention to the patients’ personally-valued exercise outcomes may be required.
Background: Despite the well-established physical and psychological benefits of physical activity (PA) for cystic fibrosis (CF) populations, adherence to PA programmes within this population remains low. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence engagement in physical activity, and to explore exercise preferences, among adults with cystic fibrosis. Methods: Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. Participants were twenty-one adults (mean age 35 years, SD ± 8) with an established diagnosis of CF, living in Ireland. Interview scripts were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Four main themes emerged: barriers, motives, value of exercise-related outcomes, and exercise preferences. The main barriers included: fatigue, low energy levels, time, the weather, and exercise-related confidence. Motives for regular physical activity participation included: enjoyment and perceived competence. Participants who were regularly active valued personally identified exercise-related outcomes such as, accomplishment and affect regulation. Participants indicated a preference for home-based physical activity programs compared to gym- or facility-based programs.Conclusion: Interventions aimed at promoting physical activity among adults with CF should involve home-based programs that foster autonomous motivation confidence, enjoyable activities, personally identified outcomes and competence. Clinical Implications: To increase physical activity participation among adults with CF, home-based interventions that pay attention to the patients’ personally-valued exercise outcomes may be required. Wearable technology that provides real-time feedback may enhance feelings of competence and accomplishment, found to underpin autonomous motivation.
Background: Physical activity (PA) is a well-established therapeutic modality for the maintenance and improvement of long-term health in cystic fibrosis (CF). Health care professionals (HCP) play a significant role in the promotion of PA behaviours. Limited research exists investigating the extent of PA prescription within CF care. This study aimed to identify Irish HCP i) knowledge and practice of prescribing PA, ii) motivation and barriers of PA prescription; and iii) proposed strategies to optimize PA promotion and prescription in CF populations.Methods: 48 HCP (physiotherapists n=24, other n=24) from six CF centers in Ireland and members of the national physiotherapy clinical interest group completed a 30-item online survey. Results: Most HCP (81%) acknowledged that discussing PA with CF patients was part of their professional role. Almost all physiotherapists (95%) reported having sufficient knowledge regarding PA prescription, compared to 17% of other HCP. All physiotherapists reported discussing PA at every patient interaction, with 81% employing the current consensus guidelines, compared to 33% and 5% of other HCP, respectively. Among the most common barriers reported by HCP to prescribing PA to their CF patients were; lack of motivation and compliance among patients to adhere to PA advice, limited availability of PA programmes to refer their patients to, limited time with patients during clinic visits, lack of knowledge regarding PA prescription for CF care, and patients’ health status deeming PA inappropriate. Three-quarters of HCP reported a need to improve PA services for CF patients in Ireland.Conclusion: As people with CF are living longer, it is imperative that HCP are expanding their scope of practice to consistently include discussions around PA at every patient visit, as physical fitness has been shown to be a key predictor of longevity and quality of life in patients with CF. Formal educational opportunities in the form of continuing professional development programmes, with respect to PA prescription for CF populations, are warranted for CF HCP to optimize long-term patient management and outcomes. There is also a need to introduce or enhance motivational interviewing during patient interactions, to elicit positive PA behaviour change.
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