title: A qualitative exploration of participants' experiences of taking part in a walking programme: Perceived benefits, barriers, choices and use of intervention resources.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience significant inequalities and tend to be more sedentary and less physically active than the wider population. Walking programmes are an effective way to increase physical activity (PA) but have not been used in studies involving adults with intellectual disabilities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen adults with intellectual disabilities participated in semistructured interviews or focus groups exploring their experiences of taking part in a walking programme (Walk Well). Data were coded using thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four overarching themes emerged: perceived benefits of taking part in the programme, perceived drawbacks/ barriers, walking choices and using the Walk Well resources. While there was not a significant increase in walking for all, the participants reported positive experiences of taking part in the programme. Self-monitoring proved difficult for some, particularly reading the daily step count recorded on the pedometer and writing it in the diary. Carers also played an important role in facilitating and preventing behaviour change in adults with intellectual disabilities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Additional barriers prevent many adults with intellectual disabilities from participating in PA. Capturing participant experiences provides important information for designing effective and equitable health improvement programmes.
authors.affiliation: Physical Activity and Health Research Group, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.affiliation: Glasgow School of Social Work, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stalker
authors.affiliation: MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Lynsay
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.affiliation: Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences, Moray House School of Education, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: Nanette
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mutrie
authors.affiliation: Head of Learning Disability Services, West CHCP Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Melling
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McConnachie
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.|Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Craig A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Melville
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D016730:Program Development; D036301:Qualitative Research; D016138:Walking
keywords: inequalities; intellectual disabilities; participant experiences; physical activity; qualitative; walking