Exploring participants’ perspectives on adverse events due to resistance training: a qualitative study

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of individuals with chronic health conditions who had an adverse event (AE) as a result of resistance training (RT). We conducted web conference or telephone-based one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 12 participants with chronic health conditions who had an AE as a result of RT. Interview data were analyzed using the thematic framework method. Six themes were identified: (1) personal experiences with aging influence perceptions of RT; (2) physical and emotional consequences of AEs limit activities and define future RT participation; (3) injury recovery defines the severity of AE; (4) health conditions influence the perceived risks and benefits of participating in RT; (5) RT setting and trained supervision influence exercise behaviors and risk perceptions; and (6) experiencing a previous AE influences future exercise behavior. Despite participant awareness of the value and benefits of RT in both the context of aging and chronic health conditions, there is concern about experiencing exercise-related AEs. The perceived risks of RT influenced the participants’ decision to engage or return to RT. Consequently, to promote RT participation, the risks, not just the benefits, should be properly reported in future studies, translated, and disseminated to the public. Novelty: –To increase the quality of published research with respect to AE reporting in RT studies. –Health care providers and people with common health conditions will be able to make evidence-based decisions as to whether the benefits of RT truly outweigh the risks.