Abstract
Background
Despite well-established improvements following rehabilitation, functional gains often diminish following discharge.
Objective
To explore the attitudes of older adults with HF and COPD, who have completed rehabilitation, toward community-based exercise maintenance.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 individuals with HF or COPD.
Results
Deductive thematic analysis uncovered three themes: 1) transitioning to community exercise is challenging, highlighting participants' struggle with unstructured maintenance and a lack of appropriate programs; 2) a structured, group-based program tailored to functional ability facilitates adherence, describing participants views on the importance of routine, and accountability; and 3) “We are all there for the same purpose” – participant support for integrated exercise, including the benefit of multiple perspectives and sustainability.
Conclusions
A motivating program leader and access to appropriate facilities are key features to support adherence to prescribed activity. Tailored programs can be delivered consecutively to older adults with HF and COPD.
Despite well-established improvements following rehabilitation, functional gains often diminish following discharge.
Objective
To explore the attitudes of older adults with HF and COPD, who have completed rehabilitation, toward community-based exercise maintenance.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 individuals with HF or COPD.
Results
Deductive thematic analysis uncovered three themes: 1) transitioning to community exercise is challenging, highlighting participants' struggle with unstructured maintenance and a lack of appropriate programs; 2) a structured, group-based program tailored to functional ability facilitates adherence, describing participants views on the importance of routine, and accountability; and 3) “We are all there for the same purpose” – participant support for integrated exercise, including the benefit of multiple perspectives and sustainability.
Conclusions
A motivating program leader and access to appropriate facilities are key features to support adherence to prescribed activity. Tailored programs can be delivered consecutively to older adults with HF and COPD.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 308-312 |
| Journal | Heart and Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care |
| Early online date | 17 May 2017 |
| Publication status | Published - 31 Jul 2017 |