Further information is needed on how community exercise facilities can be effectively utilised to engage people living with chronic health conditions in exercise. The aim of this study was to identify the exercise barriers, facilitators and needs of patients with chronic disease in the community; and to provide recommendations to support the transition from hospital-based to community-based exercise. Using a qualitative approach, four focus groups were conducted with patients who had completed hospital-based exercise programmes (n = 11) and fitness instructors (n = 10). Data were audio recorded, member checked and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis using NVivo. The side effects of chronic health conditions, the gym environment and a need for support when joining/attending a gym were perceived as barriers to exercising in the community. In contrast, the presence of supportive staff was perceived by patients as a facilitator to engaging in exercise in the community. A total of three themes emerged from participants views on exercise needs in the community; the referral and induction process in community gyms, fitness instructor training and experience and creating a supportive exercise environment. Themes informed eight key recommendations to support patients to exercise in the community, including supportive gym referral and induction processes for patients with chronic conditions, increased professional training for fitness instructors in the area of chronic disease management and exercise prescription, and exercise support at regular intervals for those with chronic conditions attending community gyms. This study found that there is potential for community gyms to play a key role in promoting health among people with chronic conditions. However, more can be done to foster an inclusive atmosphere in this space. Patients living with chronic conditions need information and advice on exercising in their communities. Community gyms require further support to ensure that facilities meet the exercise needs of people with chronic conditions.

中文翻译：

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社区中的运动和慢性健康状况：患者和健身教练的定性研究

需要进一步了解如何有效利用社区锻炼设施让患有慢性疾病的人参与锻炼。本研究的目的是确定社区中慢性病患者的运动障碍、促进因素和需求；并提供建议以支持从以医院为基础的运动向以社区为基础的运动过渡。使用定性方法，对完成医院锻炼计划 ( n  = 11) 和健身教练 ( n = 10)。使用 NVivo 对数据进行音频记录、成员检查和逐字转录以进行主题分析。慢性健康状况的副作用、健身房环境以及在加入/参加健身房时需要支持被认为是在社区锻炼的障碍。相比之下，支持性工作人员的存在被患者视为参与社区锻炼的促进者。参与者对社区运动需求的看法共产生了三个主题；社区健身房的转介和入职流程、健身教练的培训和体验，以及营造支持性的锻炼环境。主题为支持患者在社区锻炼的八项关键建议提供了信息，包括支持性健身房转诊和慢性病患者的入职流程，增加对健身教练在慢性病管理和运动处方方面的专业培训，并定期为参加社区健身房的慢性病患者提供运动支持。这项研究发现，社区健身房有可能在促进慢性病患者的健康方面发挥关键作用。但是，可以做更多的工作来在这个空间中营造一种包容的氛围。患有慢性病的患者需要有关在其社区锻炼的信息和建议。社区健身房需要进一步支持，以确保设施满足慢性病患者的锻炼需求。定期为参加社区健身房的慢性病患者提供锻炼支持。这项研究发现，社区健身房有可能在促进慢性病患者的健康方面发挥关键作用。但是，可以做更多的工作来在这个空间中营造一种包容的氛围。患有慢性病的患者需要有关在其社区锻炼的信息和建议。社区健身房需要进一步支持，以确保设施满足慢性病患者的锻炼需求。定期为参加社区健身房的慢性病患者提供锻炼支持。这项研究发现，社区健身房有可能在促进慢性病患者的健康方面发挥关键作用。但是，可以做更多的工作来在这个空间中营造一种包容的氛围。患有慢性病的患者需要有关在其社区锻炼的信息和建议。社区健身房需要进一步支持，以确保设施满足慢性病患者的锻炼需求。患有慢性病的患者需要有关在其社区锻炼的信息和建议。社区健身房需要进一步支持，以确保设施满足慢性病患者的锻炼需求。患有慢性病的患者需要有关在其社区锻炼的信息和建议。社区健身房需要进一步支持，以确保设施满足慢性病患者的锻炼需求。