Barriers and Facilitators for Therapeutic Green Exercise in Patients with Chronic Conditions: A Qualitative Focus Group Study-Reference-Cited by-同舟云学术

Barriers and Facilitators for Therapeutic Green Exercise in Patients with Chronic Conditions: A Qualitative Focus Group Study

Published:2023-09-07 Issue:18 Volume:13 Page:10077
ISSN:2076-3417
Container-title:Applied Sciences
language:en
Short-container-title:Applied Sciences

Author:

Tsokani Aristi¹,Dimopoulos Theodoros¹^ORCID,Vourazanis Evangelos²,Strimpakos Nikolaos¹³,Billis Evdokia⁴,Pepera Garyfallia²^ORCID,Kapreli Eleni²

Affiliation:

1. Health Assessment and Quality of Life Research Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 35100 Lamia, Greece

2. Clinical Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 35100 Lamia, Greece

3. Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M14 4PX, UK

4. Therapeutic Exercise and Sports Rehabilitation Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, University of Patras, 26504 Egio, Greece

Abstract

Background: Exercise has indisputable advantages for people with chronic conditions. Engaging in physical activity within natural environments, known as green exercise, contributes to both physical and mental well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of people with chronic conditions and health professionals and the perceived facilitators and barriers to therapeutic green exercise. Methods: This was a qualitative study based on two focus groups. Ethical approval was received, and a thematic analysis was used to analyze the discussions. Results: Seven patients and eight health professionals participated in the study. The thematic analysis yielded thirteen main themes. Safety concerns and inadequate infrastructures were key barriers. Core facilitators were socialization, and multisensory exposure. Conclusions: Patients with chronic conditions and health professionals believe that green exercise improves physical activity engagement, and it would be beneficial if incorporated in the rehabilitation process. There are challenges to overcome to make therapeutic green exercise for people with chronic conditions more accessible.

Funder

Action “SMART TOURIST”

Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Greece and the European Union

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes,Computer Science Applications,Process Chemistry and Technology,General Engineering,Instrumentation,General Materials Science

Link

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/18/10077/pdf

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