Goals in motion: exploring goal setting among adults living with HIV who participated in an online community-based exercise intervention.
Tai-Te Su, Soo Chan Carusone, Kiera McDuff and 17 others
PMID 40820990WHAT IT FOUND
Adults living with HIV set goals focused on physical changes like gaining muscle and losing weight.
About half of these goals were achieved through online exercise. Participants found goal setting helpful, though some felt pressured by the research team rather than motivated by personal desire.
Key findings
01Participants primarily set goals to increase muscle, reduce weight, and improve strength, with about half of all stated goals achieved by the end of the intervention.
02Motivations for goal setting were driven by personal health concerns, family influence, and a sense of obligation to the study, rather than uniform personal desire.
03Most participants viewed goal setting positively as a way to make objectives concrete and foster accountability, but some found the process daunting or burdensome.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study had significant dropout, with only 22 of 32 participants completing the 6-month intervention and 17 completing the 12-month follow-up, which may bias the results toward those who were more engaged. Participants were recruited from an urban area and had high levels of education and internet access, so findings may not apply to people living with HIV in rural settings or with fewer resources. Goal attainment was self-reported by participants, and the study did not assess dietary or other lifestyle factors that could influence weight-related goals. The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced the types of goals participants set.
Declared interests
The research was supported by the Ontario HIV Treatment Network and the Connaught Community Partner Research Program. Authors received support from Canada Research Chairs and hospital foundations. No commercial conflicts of interest were declared.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the 46% goal achievement rate as evidence that this specific online intervention is superior to other forms of exercise. The study did not include a control group, and participants achieved their goals while also receiving monthly self-management education and personal coaching, so the contribution of any single component cannot be separated.