A Qualitative Analysis of an Aerobic Interval Training Programme for Obese Outpatients Carried Out in a Hospital Context

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the experience of obese adults following participation in an indoor aerobic interval training (AIT) intervention. Methodology: Qualitative, in-depth semi-structured individual interviews, using phenomenology, with 24 obese adults (body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2) from the Endocrinology Department, at the Severo Ochoa Hospital in Leganés (Madrid). Questions were related to: (a) The physical activity (PA) programme, (b) their perspectives of the activity and exercise environment and (c) the perceived benefits from participation. Data were analysed with a constant comparison approach. Results: The main patients’ reasons for beginning the programme were motivations to take part including weight loss, health improvement and doctors’ recommendation. Also, patients showed doubts and feelings of apprehension at the beginning of the intervention. Patients highlighted the role of the instructor, feelings of exercising in a safe environment, a good intervention and accessibility of the facility. They reported an improvement in their quality of life and recommended continuing the program. Conclusions: (1) Common themes in the qualitative analysis included enjoyment of the activity and a desire to maintain physical fitness, (2) AIT was perceived as a suitable exercise programme for this population and (3) recommendations for further investigation to understand the role of PA programmes for people with obesity.

A COVID-19 descriptive study of life after lockdown in Wuhan, China

“…This finding is in line with previous studies, that finding ways to resolve issues at hand and seeking help from others have been shown to be adaptive coping strategies for Chinese people, and linked to lower psychological maladjustment. By contrast, self-blame, fantasizing and avoidance were related to maladaptive coping strategies, and linked with more negative outcomes [19,20]. However, we did not find the support for the prediction of any coping strategies on trajectory of change over time for psychological well-being and mental health risks.…”

“…Previous research looking at the link between the six coping strategies assessed in this research showed that coping with stress through problem solving and seeking help were linked to lower depressive symptoms for first-year university students [19,20], and correlated with post-traumatic growth among survivors of traumatic events [21,22]. On the other hand, other coping strategies like self-blame, avoidance, fantasizing or rationalization correlated with greater depressive symptoms [19,20]. While self-blame and avoidance have been shown to be associated with greater post-traumatic growth [21], results in relation to the perception of post-traumatic growth should be interpreted with caution.…”

Effects of Exercise on Biomarkers in Health and Disease: Some New Insights with Special Focus on Extreme Exercise and Healthy Ageing

“…Exercise adherence in general seem to be largely dependent on motivation and this is also the case with obese individuals. Cabanillas-Cruz et al [10] conducted a study with obese individuals that underwent an exercise program in a hospital, describing that the main sources of motivation were weight loss and health improvement, while enjoyment during exercise was found to help patients' engagement in the program.…”