title: Perceptions towards aqua-based exercise among older adults with osteoarthritis who have discontinued participation in this exercise mode.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to investigate reasons for ceasing participation in aqua-based exercise among older adults with osteoarthritis (OA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven adults over 60 years of age with OA participated in one of two focus groups, during which they discussed barriers to aqua-based exercise and the potential benefits of this exercise mode. Each focus group was audiotaped, transcribed and then analysed using the general inductive thematic approach. The investigators reached a consensus on all coding categories and then identified themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Key barriers identified were: a lack of suitable classes; insufficient instructor knowledge, which often led to increased pain; cold water and the changing facilities. Key perceived benefits included increased physical ability in water and social interaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A greater understanding of reasons for ceasing participation in aqua-based exercise among older adults with OA may help facilitate development of suitable exercise programs that minimise barriers for this group.
authors.affiliation: Human Potential Centre, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Alison L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Fisken
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Debra L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Waters
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.|Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Wayne A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Hing
authors.affiliation: Human Potential Centre, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.|Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia.|Cluster for Health Improvement, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Justin W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Keogh
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010465:Perception; D013550:Swimming
keywords: exercise; osteoarthritis; perceptions