BACKGROUND Lack of physical activity (PA) is a recognised global public health problem, which is increasing in prevalence with a detrimental impact on the pattern of disease worldwide. In the UK, older adults comprise the most sedentary group, with only 57% of males and 52% of females aged 65-74 years and 43% of males and 21% of females aged 75-84 years meeting PA recommendations. PA confers multiple health benefits including increased stamina, muscle, bone and joint strength, increased independence and reduced risk of falls in old age. Despite benefits experienced during time-limited PA programmes, increased PA is not always continued. This study aimed to provide a better understanding of PA maintenance behaviours in older people. METHODS Face to face semi-structured interviews were conducted with adults who completed one of two strength and balance exercise programmes as part of the ProAct65+ trial: group (FaME) and home based (OTAGO) exercises. Five GP practices in Nottingham and Derby were recruited and invited people aged 65 years and older who met eligibility criteria. Interviews were conducted in participants' homes. Interviews explored PA levels pre and post intervention, perceived health benefits, facilitators, barriers and use of technology for PA maintenance. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using framework analysis and the software NVivo10. RESULTS Fifteen participants from each intervention group were interviewed. The FaME group consisted of 10 females and 5 males, age range of 70-88 years. The OTAGO group consisted of 12 females and 3 males aged 72-95 years. Important themes identified were physical, social, psychological and environmental facilitators and barriers. These included increased physical autonomy, enjoyment, positive evaluation of the activity and physical benefits, importance of social interaction, positive feedback, development of behaviour considered normal or habitual, motivation and self-efficacy. Some participants used technologies not included in the original interventions, like pedometers and smart phones to motivate themselves. CONCLUSIONS A range of modifiable factors influence continued participation in PA at the end of exercise programmes. The findings from this study will inform the commissioning and quality improvement of future PA programmes and development of an intervention to enhance continuation of PA after exercise interventions in older adults.

中文翻译：

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使用它或丢失它：一项关于维持老年人体育活动的定性研究。

背景技术缺乏体育活动（PA）是公认的全球公共卫生问题，其流行程度正在增加，并对全世界的疾病模式产生不利影响。在英国，久坐不动的人群是最久坐的人群，年龄在65-74岁之间的男性只有57％，女性中只有52％，年龄在75-84岁之间的男性中有43％，女性中的21％符合PA的建议。PA可带来多种健康益处，包括提高耐力，肌肉，骨骼和关节强度，增强独立性并降低老年跌倒的风险。尽管在有时间限制的PA计划中受益匪浅，但提高PA并不总是持续的。这项研究旨在更好地了解老年人的PA维护行为。方法与成年人进行面对面的半结构化访谈，他们是ProAct65 +试验中完成两项力量和平衡运动计划之一的人：团体（FaME）和家庭（OTAGO）运动。在诺丁汉和德比招募了五名全科医生，并邀请了符合资格标准的65岁及65岁以上的人士。访谈在参与者的家中进行。访谈探讨了干预前后的PA水平，对健康的感知益处，促进因素，PA维护技术的障碍和使用情况。采访被逐字记录，并使用框架分析和软件NVivo10进行了分析。结果每个干预组有15名参与者接受了采访。FaME组由10位女性和5位男性组成，年龄范围为70-88岁。OTAGO组由12位女性和3位男性组成，年龄在72-95岁之间。确定的重要主题是身体，社会，心理和环境的促进因素和障碍。这些包括增加身体上的自主权，享受，对活动和身体益处的积极评价，社交互动的重要性，积极反馈，正常或习惯性行为的发展，动机和自我效能感。一些参与者使用了计步器和智能手机等原始干预措施中未包含的技术来激励自己。结论在锻炼计划结束时，一系列可改变的因素会影响到PA的持续参与。