Perceptions and use of behaviour change interventions for physical activity in chronic respiratory disease in The...

Behaviour change interventions may support physical activity behaviour in people with chronic respiratory disease. The most effective interventions for long-term physical activity behaviour change in this cohort remains unclear. This aim of this study was to explore the use and perceptions of behaviour change interventions by both providers of physical activity programmes for people with chronic respiratory disease and by people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in The Republic of Ireland.

Two anonymous online and paper-copy cross-sectional surveys, piloted and mapped to the COM-B model of behaviour change, were distributed via social media and relevant gate-keepers (e.g Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, COPD Support Ireland) between November 2023 and April 2024. Findings were summarised using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means and medians. Relationships between variables were investigated using Chi² (p = 0.05).

The response rate to the provider survey was 71% (107/150), and 112 participants responded to the COPD cohort survey. Providers perceived encouragement, pertaining to theoretical constructs such as self-confidence, optimism and reinforcement to be the most effective techniques influencing physical activity behaviour. People with COPD perceived social support, pertaining to theoretical constructs such as interpersonal skills and social identity, to be the most effective interventions influencing their physical activity behaviour. Motivation was frequently identified as a common COM-B component, suggesting important links to this mechanism of action in influencing behaviour.

Interventions with motivational components are perceived as effective influencers of physical activity behaviour by providers of physical activity programmes and by those living with chronic respiratory disease. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.