Barriers And Facilitators Flashcards
What barriers to physical activity were evident for George?
Decline in age decline in muscle mass and VO2 max
Injury risk/ fall risk
What facilitators to physical activity were evident for George?
Pace maker
Health
Running group
Mary
Enjoyment
Motivation from a a loved one
Older people’s perspective on participation in physical activity: a systemic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative literature
The problem this study is addressing
Inactivity is a pandemic condition, with far reaching health, economic, environmental, and social consequences. Inactivity rates grow
Older people’s perspective on participation in physical activity: a systemic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative literature
The rationale for this study:
The identification of barriers
and facilitators to physical activity of older adults can help inform effective population-wide physical activity policies and
strategies.
Older people’s perspective on participation in physical activity: a systemic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative literature
Methods:
Systematic review and Participants 60 years +
Results:
132 studies included; 5987 participants
24 countries represented (USA, UK, and
Canada contributed the most)
Older people’s perspective on participation in physical activity: a systemic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative literature
Methods:
Wide range of physical activity domains
18% of the studies included solely
participants who identify as Indigenous
or as immigrants
Older people’s perspective on participation in physical activity: a systemic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative literature
Methods:
Qualitative studies & structure
Most participants lived within their own
residences in the community
Structured exercise programs were
investigated in 46% of the studies.
Older people’s perspective on participation in physical activity: a systemic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative literature
Six themes
Six themes: Social influences; physical
limitations; competing priorities; access
difficulties; personal benefits of physical
activity; motivation and beliefs
Theme 1: Physical Limitations
Pain or discomfort during PA (Barrier)
Concerns about falling during PA (Barrier)
Comorbidities prevent participation in PA (Barrier)
Theme 1: Physical Limitations
Pain or discomfort during PA (Barrier)
Experienced a range of unpleasant sensations (e.g. muscle aches,
chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness)
High intensity physical activity was considered distressing and
intolerable
Theme 1: Physical Limitations
Concerns about falling during PA (Barrier)
Fear of falling, fear of sustaining serious injuries, lack of confidence to
exercise independently
Participants who had fallen in the past were more anxious about
getting injured during exercise
1/3 of older adult fall each year, injuries are more substantial than the younger adult
Theme 1: Physical Limitations
Comorbidities prevent participation in PA (Barrier)
Symptoms and physical limitations caused by existing comorbidities
prevented participants from exercising (e.g. joint pain from
osteoarthritis, urinary incontinence, cancer)
How might the exercise and health industry contribute to fear about exercise in older adults?
Liability-focused practices like waivers and pre-screening questionnaires (e.g., Get Active Questionnaire) can unintentionally highlight risks, making older adults feel hesitant or fearful about starting or continuing physical activity.
Why is it important for the exercise industry to balance safety measures with positive messaging for older adults?
Focusing too much on risks in waivers and health screenings can reinforce fear, whereas positive messaging encourages older adults that exercise is safe, beneficial, and key to maintaining health and independence.
How can you instruct someone to perform a squat using neutral, non-risk associated language?
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Lower hips back as if sitting into a chair, keeping the chest up and weight evenly distributed through the feet. Lower until thighs are parallel to the ground or comfortable, then push back up. Keep the movement smooth and controlled, engaging the core throughout.
