Motivators and de-motivators for adherence to a program of sustained walking

Objective To investigate motivators, de-motivators and adherence to regular physical activity during and at six months after participation in a 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) of walking. Design Purposive sampling in a group of men who participated in a RCT of supported, home-based walking in Bristol, England, between December 2002 and June 2005. Method 38 sedentary, hypercholesterolemic men (54.8 (5.0) years) who participated in a 12-week RCT of walking with regular professional support, were interviewed by telephone six months after the RCT. Results Health or fitness were the main motivational themes for adherence to walking during the RCT. Six-months after the RCT, 27 participants were still doing some walking and 18 were more physically active than before the RCT. In those who were still physically active, health benefits were motivators for adherence. In those who were less active, lack of time was a de-motivator with external support identified as a motivator for becoming more active. Conclusion Health was the main motivating factor for adherence to physical activity during and after the supported RCT. Lack of external support was a de-motivator for sustaining physical activity. Keywords Physical activity; Motivation; Adherence; Support