Projects per year
Abstract
Summary
This qualitative study explored the acceptability of high-impact physical activity for increasing bone strength in later life. Thematic analysis established the barriers and facilitators to this physical activity. They prioritised joint over skeletal health, of which they had little concept. Interventions need to clearly communicate the rationale and benefits.
Introduction
The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability of doing high-impact physical activity in later life.
Methods
This qualitative study was embedded within a large-scale observational study and was designed to address specific objectives and feed into a subsequent intervention. Five focus groups with physically active men and women (over 50 years) were used to develop an interview topic guide to explore the acceptability of high-impact physical activity in older men and women (over 65 years) in South West England. A total of 28 semi-structured interviews with 31 participants were then conducted and transcripts analysed thematically.
Results
Three main barriers emerged: conceptualising bone, damage to joints and falling/safety concerns. Two main facilitators were also identified: the need to understand clear tangible benefits and incorporation of activity into everyday habits. Older adults were interested how high-impact physical activity would help to maintain their mobility, independence or social relationships. Some participants wanted tangible feedback from accelerometers, health care professionals and/or bone scans in order to develop a more intimate knowledge of their bone health.
Conclusions
Interventions incorporating high-impact physical activity for older adults need to communicate how this activity can impact more broadly on health and lives; that physical activity will be safe, beneficial and not damaging to their joints will need to be clearly conveyed. Ways in which high-impact physical activity can be habitualised into everyday activities, be fun and interactive may help facilitate longer term adoption.
This qualitative study explored the acceptability of high-impact physical activity for increasing bone strength in later life. Thematic analysis established the barriers and facilitators to this physical activity. They prioritised joint over skeletal health, of which they had little concept. Interventions need to clearly communicate the rationale and benefits.
Introduction
The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability of doing high-impact physical activity in later life.
Methods
This qualitative study was embedded within a large-scale observational study and was designed to address specific objectives and feed into a subsequent intervention. Five focus groups with physically active men and women (over 50 years) were used to develop an interview topic guide to explore the acceptability of high-impact physical activity in older men and women (over 65 years) in South West England. A total of 28 semi-structured interviews with 31 participants were then conducted and transcripts analysed thematically.
Results
Three main barriers emerged: conceptualising bone, damage to joints and falling/safety concerns. Two main facilitators were also identified: the need to understand clear tangible benefits and incorporation of activity into everyday habits. Older adults were interested how high-impact physical activity would help to maintain their mobility, independence or social relationships. Some participants wanted tangible feedback from accelerometers, health care professionals and/or bone scans in order to develop a more intimate knowledge of their bone health.
Conclusions
Interventions incorporating high-impact physical activity for older adults need to communicate how this activity can impact more broadly on health and lives; that physical activity will be safe, beneficial and not damaging to their joints will need to be clearly conveyed. Ways in which high-impact physical activity can be habitualised into everyday activities, be fun and interactive may help facilitate longer term adoption.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 979-987 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Osteoporosis International |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 10 Nov 2015 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2016 |
Keywords
- Bonehealth
- High impact
- Older adults
- Physical activity
- Qualitative
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'An exploration of barriers and facilitators to older adults’ participation in higher impact physical activity and bone health: a qualitative study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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Lifelong Health & Wellbeing Scheme: Describing habitual levels of physical activity (PA) in older people in terms of impact loads and how this relates to bone and other systems
Tobias, J. H. (Principal Investigator)
1/10/13 → 30/09/17
Project: Research, Parent
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Lifelong Health & Wellbeing
Tobias, J. H. (Principal Investigator)
1/10/13 → 30/09/17
Project: Research