Long-term exercise adherence in patients with heart failure: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Regular exercise is associated with numerous benefits; yet up to 91% of patients with heart failure (HF) do not exercise regularly. This study explored factors supporting long-term exercise adherence in patients with HF. DESIGN: This study was a qualitative multiple-case study. METHODS: Data were collected via semi-structured interviews from patients with HF at completion of an 18-month exercise intervention in a health care exercise facility and analyzed using a directed content analysis approach. RESULTS: Participants (n=22) identified perceived health status, scheduling/making exercise part of a routine, social support from coaches and family, knowledge about exercise, and motivation/perseverance as supports for long-term exercise adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived health status may be key when promoting exercise adherence in this population. Knowledge, social support from coaches and family members, and motivation should be considered for long-term exercise adherence.

A Qualitative Exploration of a Worksite Wellness Mini-Grant Program.

Mini-grant programs are an increasingly popular method for outside organizations (eg, non-profits, state agencies) to support wellness initiatives. However, little is known about mini-grant programs in worksites. The present study explored the implementation and outcomes of a worksite wellness mini-grant program. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 wellness champions representing 12 worksites that were involved in a mini-grant program over a 4-year span. Interviews focused on general use, barriers and facilitators, and outcomes of the mini-grant initiatives. Mini-grants were generally used to support a short-term activity, such as purchasing food, which was not allowed per grant funding, or supporting a one-time event-this type of use diverged from recommended use of funds. Participants reported that outcomes from the mini-grant initiates were largely positive, highlighting culture shifts and increased awareness/perception of employer support for wellness. Barriers included culture (eg, employee attitudes, motivation), environment (eg, infrastructure, weather), and worksite characteristics (eg, multiple locations, number of employees), while facilitators included employee interest and involvement, established wellness culture, awareness and accessibility (eg, providing options, education), and support (eg, employer support, support from outside organizations). There was overlap between certain barriers and facilitators, indicating key areas of focus for future research and mini-grant programs.

The Relationship Between Parental and Child Physical Activity in a Rural Community.

This study examined the relationship between parental and child physical activity (PA) in a rural community. Forty-one children and at least 1 parent wore pedometers to measure step count over the course of 4 days. Parents also completed a PA survey assessing parental support for PA, parental enjoyment for PA, perceived importance of PA, and their own PA levels. Parental PA level and mothers' support for PA were moderately associated with their child's PA levels. Thus, future PA promotion efforts could focus on encouraging parents, primarily mothers, to be more active to help improve their child's PA levels.