title: "Four legs instead of two"--perspectives on a Nordic walking-based walking programme among people with arthritis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Nordic Walking (NW) is growing in popularity among people with arthritis. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of participants with arthritis on a NW-based walking programme including factors contributing to sustained participation in the programme.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three semi-structured focus groups were conducted with a total of 27 participants with various types of arthritis. The groups consisted of participants who completed a NW-based walking programme in the previous 4 years. Only participants who had sustained involvement in the walking group were included. Groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants reported that the walking programme offered numerous benefits. Two distinct themes emerged: (1) "four legs instead of two legs" and (2) "a support group". Theme 1 incorporates the physical, psychological and educational benefits that stem from involvement in a walking group while Theme 2 incorporates the benefits of social support in group-based activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Several benefits of a NW-based walking programme from the perspectives of individuals with arthritis who engage in group-based walking programmes were identified. The benefits may encourage sustained participation and justify the promotion of NW as an intervention for people with arthritis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Considering how to sustain exercise participation is important to ensure continued benefits from physical activity participation. A community-based Nordic walking-based walking programme for people with arthritis improved exercise knowledge and confidence to exercise. Group exercise is valuable in providing support and motivation to continue exercising.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Therapies, Health Sciences Building, University of Limerick , Limerick , Ireland and.
authors.forename: Rhona
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: O'Donovan
authors.forename: Norelee
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kennedy
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001168:Arthritis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012649:Self Concept; D016138:Walking
keywords: Arthritis; patient perspective; qualitative; walking programmes