A qualitative exploration of participants' experiences of taking part in a walking programme : perceived benefits, barriers, choices and use of intervention resources

Mitchell, Fiona and Stalker, Kirsten and Matthews, Lynsay and Mutrie, Nanette and Melling, Chris and McConnachie, Alex and Murray, Heather and Melville, Craig A. (2018) A qualitative exploration of participants' experiences of taking part in a walking programme : perceived benefits, barriers, choices and use of intervention resources. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 31 (S1). pp. 110-121. ISSN 1360-2322 (https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12326)

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Abstract

Background: Adults with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) experience significant inequalities and tend to be more sedentary and less physically active than the wider population. Walking programmes are an effective way to increase physical activity (PA) but have not been used in studies involving adults with ID. Method: 19 adults with ID participated in semi-structured interviews or focus groups exploring their experiences of taking part in a walking programme (Walk Well). Data were coded using thematic analysis. Results: Four overarching themes emerged: perceived benefits of taking part in the programme, perceived drawbacks/ barriers, walking choices and using the Walk Well resources. Whilst there was not a significant increase in walking for all, the participants reported positive experiences of taking part in the programme. Self-monitoring proved difficult for some, particularly reading the daily step-count recorded on the pedometer and writing it in the diary. Carers also played an important role in facilitating and preventing behaviour change in adults with ID. Conclusion: Additional barriers prevent many adults with ID from participating in PA. Capturing participant experiences provides important information for designing effective and equitable health improvement programmes.

  • Item type:Article
    ID code:58773
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    31 January 2018
    Published
    22 December 2016
    Published Online
    22 November 2016
    Accepted
    Notes:"This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Mitchell, F., Stalker, K., Matthews, L., Mutrie, N., Melling, C., McConnachie, A., Murray, H., & Melville, C. A. (2018). A qualitative exploration of participants' experiences of taking part in a walking programme: perceived benefits, barriers, choices and use of intervention resources. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 31(S1), 110-121., which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12326. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving."
    Subjects:Medicine > Public aspects of medicine > Personal health and hygiene, including exercise, nutrition
    Department:Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) > Psychological Sciences and Health > Physical Activity for Health
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:23 Nov 2016 14:53
    Last modified:08 Apr 2024 23:16
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/58773
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