Marina Arkkukangas1, Annelie J Sundler2, Anne Söderlund3, Staffan Eriksson4,5,6, Ann-Christin Johansson7. 1. a School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University , Västerås , Sweden. 2. b Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare , University of Borås , Sweden. 3. c School of Health, Care and Social Welfare , Mälardalen University , Västerås , SE , Sweden. 4. d Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland , Uppsala University , Eskilstuna , Sweden. 5. e Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy , Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden. 6. f Department of Neuroscience, Physiotherapy , Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden. 7. g School of Health, Care and Social Welfare , Mälardalen University , Västerås , Sweden.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: It is a challenge to promote exercise among older persons. Knowledge is needed regarding the maintenance of exercise aiming at preventing falls and promoting health and well-being in older persons. PURPOSE: This descriptive study used a qualitative inductive approach to describe older persons' experiences of a fall-preventive, home-based exercise program with support for behavioral change. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 elderly persons aged 75 years or older, and a qualitative content analysis was performed. RESULTS: Four categories emerged: facilitators of performing exercise in everyday life, the importance of support, perceived gains from exercise, and the existential aspects of exercise. CONCLUSION: With support from physiotherapists (PTs), home-based exercise can be adapted to individual circumstances in a meaningful way. Including exercises in everyday life and daily routines could support the experience of being stronger, result in better physical functioning, and give hope for an extended active life in old age.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: It is a challenge to promote exercise among older persons. Knowledge is needed regarding the maintenance of exercise aiming at preventing falls and promoting health and well-being in older persons. PURPOSE: This descriptive study used a qualitative inductive approach to describe older persons' experiences of a fall-preventive, home-based exercise program with support for behavioral change. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 elderly persons aged 75 years or older, and a qualitative content analysis was performed. RESULTS: Four categories emerged: facilitators of performing exercise in everyday life, the importance of support, perceived gains from exercise, and the existential aspects of exercise. CONCLUSION: With support from physiotherapists (PTs), home-based exercise can be adapted to individual circumstances in a meaningful way. Including exercises in everyday life and daily routines could support the experience of being stronger, result in better physical functioning, and give hope for an extended active life in old age.