Facilitators, barriers and support needs to GLA:D exercise adherence - a mixed method study

Area of Science:

• Osteoarthritis management
• Exercise adherence
• Self-management strategies

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and hip is a prevalent global musculoskeletal condition.
• International guidelines advocate exercise and education as primary OA management strategies.
• The Good Life with osteoArthritis Denmark (GLA:D) program promotes self-management through group exercise and education, encouraging continued physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate self-reported physical activity (PA) and adherence to GLA:D exercises (GE) 5-17 months post-program.
• To explore barriers, facilitators, and support needs for long-term GE adherence.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods study with an exploratory sequential design.
• Qualitative phase: semi-structured interviews and focus groups to inform questionnaire development.
• Quantitative phase: online survey of former GLA:D participants in Switzerland, with descriptive statistics and group comparisons.

Main Results:

• 84% of participants met recommended PA levels; 53% adhered to GE.
• Top barrier to GE adherence: lack of self-discipline (40%). Top facilitator: ease of performing GE (93%).
• Top support needs: shortened GE home program (75%), monthly supervised GE groups (65%), and progress monitoring (65%).

Conclusions:

• Barriers and facilitators to GE adherence should be addressed within the GLA:D program.
• Developing a shortened GE program, post-program support groups, and progress monitoring are crucial for enhancing long-term adherence.