title: Using Visual Methods to Understand Physical Activity Maintenance following Cardiac Rehabilitation.
abstract: Few studies have explored the factors associated with long-term maintenance of exercise following cardiac rehabilitation. The present study used auto-photography and interviews to explore the factors that influence motivation and continued participation in physical activity among post cardiac rehabilitation patients. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted alongside participant-selected photographs or drawings with participants that had continued participation in physical activity for at least two years following the cardiac rehabilitation programme. Participants were recruited from circuit training classes in East Sussex in the UK. Thematic content analysis revealed seven main themes: fear of death and ill health avoidance, critical incidents, overcoming aging, social influences, being able to enjoy life, provision of routine and structure, enjoyment and psychological well-being. Fear of death, illness avoidance, overcoming aging, and being able to enjoy life were powerful motives for continued participation in exercise. The social nature of the exercise class was also identified as a key facilitator of continued participation. Group-based exercise suited those that continued exercise participation post cardiac rehabilitation and fostered adherence.
authors.affiliation: Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine Research Group, School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
authors.forename: Sarah J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Hardcastle
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Brunel University, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Keira
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McNamara
authors.affiliation: School of Sport and Service Management, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Larette
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tritton
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001154:Art; D001294:Attitude to Health; D000072038:Cardiac Rehabilitation; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D010781:Photography / Q000379:methods