A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Motivation States for Physical Activity Among Middle-Aged Adults with Type 1...

Adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have barriers to physical activity that can be physiological, psychological, emotional, and/or contextual. To complement prior quantitative surveys on these topics, we employed a qualitative descriptive approach to explore the motivational states that influence physical activity engagement through an understanding of movement and rest (i.e., sedentary behavior) among adults with T1DM. Our objective was to elucidate internal and external factors that shape motivation states affecting physical activity among middle-aged adults with T1DM. We aimed to 1) understand perspectives and personal values related to physical activity and 2) explore experiences of motivation states related to movement and rest.

Twenty-three adults (mean age 48, SD 11 years, 78% female, 91% non-Hispanic white, 35% overweight, and 26% obese), who recently completed an exercise intervention, participated in semi-structured interviews guided by the Wants and Aversions for Neuromuscular Tasks (WANT) model. This model addresses desires and aversions (i.e., fears) for movement and rest. We utilized directed content analysis to identify common themes, with both deductive and inductive coding approaches.

The WANT model illustrated how participants experienced simultaneous desires to move and rest, evidenced by choices like yoga or outdoor walks for active recovery. Competing motivations also emerged, such as the internal drive to exercise daily conflicting with physical fatigue or blood sugar levels demanding rest.

Our findings align with previous studies using the WANT model, highlighting a dynamic and fluctuating nature of motivation influenced by physiological parameters, aversive states, and recent activities. Insights gained can inform future interventions focused on psychological aspects for this unique population.