Qualitative evaluation of factors influencing adherence to virtual exercise programs for people with physical disabilities.
Madison Mintz, Christine Ferguson, Leigh Anne Bray Dayton and 2 others
PMID 39463854WHAT IT FOUND
Eight high-adherent participants described a virtual exercise program as motivating and adaptable.
They valued equipment, recordings, instructor modifications, and group contact. They said they still used program materials for physical activity.
Key findings
01Eight high-adherent participants described the exercise classes as motivating, disability friendly, and easily adaptable.
02All interviewees said they still used recorded videos, exercise equipment, and contact with fellow participants after the program.
03Participants reported facilitators such as tailored curriculum, instructor, equipment, socialization, confidence, Zoom, and camaraderie, and barriers such as mindset, disability effects, appointments, limited home space, fatigue, and attitudes of other participants.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Only high-adherent participants were interviewed, so the study cannot explain why non-adherent, low-adherent, or moderate-adherent participants did not stay in the program. The interview sample was small, with eight participants, and most were stroke survivors over 50, so the themes may not apply to other disabilities or age groups. Interviews occurred 7 to 22 months after the program, so participants relied on memory. Only the exercise portion was examined, even though MENTOR also included mindfulness and nutrition classes. The findings are self-reported perceptions and themes, not measured physical, functional, or health outcomes. Coders were affiliated with the interviews, which may have influenced interpretation.
Declared interests
The authors declared financial support for the research, authorship, and publication. The funding came from NCHPAD, a public health practice center providing inclusive health promotion programs and resources for people with disabilities. NCHPAD is itself funded by CDC, NCBDDD, and related branches through a grant.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that MENTOR works for all people with physical disabilities. The study interviewed eight high-adherent participants, mostly stroke survivors, and reports their perceptions, not measured health outcomes or a comparison group.