title: Attitudes and expectations regarding exercise in the hospital of hospitalized older adults: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe expectations of, and perceived motivators and barriers to, in-hospital exercise of hospitalized older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study using the framework theory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Public hospital general medical wards.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-eight English- or Spanish-speaking inpatients aged 65 to 103.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semistructured interviews were conducted at the bedside. Questions explored attitudes and expectations regarding in-hospital exercise. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed, and content analysis was performed to identify major themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For most participants (71%), exercise in the hospital meant walking. Only 29% of participants expected to be exercising in the hospital, although three-quarters perceived it to be appropriate. Major themes included motivating factors and barriers to in-hospital exercise. Motivating factors included avoiding the negative effects of prolonged bed rest, promoting a sense of well-being, promoting functional recovery, and being asked to exercise. Barriers included symptoms related to one's illness, institutional barriers, and fear of injury. Most respondents (85%) felt that if the physician suggested exercise, it would influence their decision to do so, yet few (27%) reported that they had spoken to their physician about exercise.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hospitalized older adults have positive perceptions about in-hospital exercise, although they must overcome significant barriers to do so. Medical professionals have a strong influence over the exercise behavior of elderly adults in the hospital yet infrequently address the issue. Incorporating motivating factors and removing barriers may increase the effectiveness of in-hospital exercise programs.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: So
authors.forename: Edgar
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pierluissi
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires