A mixed methods approach to investigating physical activity in people with obesity participating in a chronic care programme awaiting total knee or hip arthroplasty

Abstract

AimsTo describe patient‐reported physical activity and step count trajectory and explore perceived barriers and enablers to physical activity amongst people with obesity participating in a chronic care programme whilst awaiting arthroplasty.DesignConvergent parallel mixed‐method study.MethodA patient cohort derived from a longitudinal sample of adults with end‐stage osteoarthritis and obesity from a chronic care programme whilst awaiting primary total knee or hip arthroplasty (n = 97) was studied. Physical activity was measured at baseline (entry to the wait list) and before surgery (9–12 months waiting time) using the Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS) and activity monitors (activPAL™). A subset of participants completed in‐depth semi‐structured interviews 6 months after being waitlisted to explore perceived barriers and enablers to physical activity. Themes were inductively derived and then interpreted through the COM‐B model.ResultsBaseline LEAS and activPAL™ data were available from 97 and 63 participants, respectively. The proportion of community ambulant individuals reduced from 43% (95% CI 33%–53%) at baseline to 17% (95% CI 9%–28%) pre‐surgery. Paired activPAL™ data (n = 31) for step count, upright time, and stepping time remained unchanged. Twenty‐five participants were interviewed. Five themes underpinning physical activity were mapped to the COM‐B model components of capability (physical capability), opportunity (accessibility and social norms), and motivation (self‐efficacy and beliefs and physical activity).ConclusionsParticipation in a chronic care programme did not improve physical activity levels for people with obesity awaiting arthroplasty. Programs cognisant of the COM‐B model components may be required to address the natural trajectory of declining physical activity levels while awaiting arthroplasty.