Focus groups to explore the perceptions of older adults on a pedometer-based intervention.

Focus group methodology was used to explore in depth the perceptions of older adults who had participated in a 12-week pedometer-based intervention. Nineteen women and 8 men, ages 55-86 years, volunteered to take part in the focus groups following participation in the intervention. Four focus groups of six to eight participants were scheduled at primary sites in the southern Maine area. Analysis of the data revealed four specific topical areas: (a) factors that led to increases in daily step count, (b) factors that hindered increases in daily step count, (c) benefits of pedometer intervention program, and (d) recommendations on how to improve older adults' physical activity. Overall, focus group participants found this intervention to be beneficial and recommended its expansion to other groups.