Motivators and de-motivators for adherence to a program of sustained walking.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate motivators, de-motivators and adherence to regular physical activity during and at six months after participation in a 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) of walking.


METHODS
Purposive sampling in a group of men who participated in a RCT of supported, home-based walking in Bristol, England, between December 2002 and June 2005.


METHODS
38 sedentary, hypercholesterolemic men (54.8 (5.0) years) who participated in a 12-week RCT of walking with regular professional support, were interviewed by telephone six months after the RCT.


RESULTS
Health or fitness were the main motivational themes for adherence to walking during the RCT. Six-months after the RCT, 27 participants were still doing some walking and 18 were more physically active than before the RCT. In those who were still physically active, health benefits were motivators for adherence. In those who were less active, lack of time was a de-motivator with external support identified as a motivator for becoming more active.


CONCLUSIONS
Health was the main motivating factor for adherence to physical activity during and after the supported RCT. Lack of external support was a de-motivator for sustaining physical activity.
Coghill
Nikki
N
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of England, UK. nikki.coghill@uwe.ac.uk
Cooper
Ashley R
AR
D004739:England; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory; D009042:Motivation; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*
D008055:Lipids