Facilitators, barriers and support needs to GLA:D exercise adherence – a mixed method study

Abstract

Abstract Background Knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) are among the most common musculoskeletal joint diseases worldwide. International guidelines recommend exercise and education as first-line interventions for their management. The Good Life with osteoArthritis Denmark (GLA:D) programme aims to achieve self-management using group exercise and education sessions. It also encourages participants to stay physically active and perform GLA:D exercises (GE) twice weekly after programme end. This study investigated the participants’ self-reported level of physical activity (PA) and self-reported adherence to the GE between five and 17 months after completion of the GLA:D programme and also explored the barriers, facilitators and support needs to achieve long-term adherence to GE. Methods A mixed method study using an exploratory sequential design was performed. A qualitative phase, involving semi-structured interviews and a focus group, led to the development of a questionnaire on participants’ level of PA, as well as ratings of the barriers, facilitators and support needs for the achievement of long-term adherence to GE. In a second quantitative phase, the survey was conducted online with former GLA:D participants from Switzerland. Descriptive statistical analysis and a group comparison between adherent and non-adherent participants to the GE were performed using Fisher’s exact test, odds ratio, and confidence interval. Results Eleven former GLA:D participants attended the interviews and focus group, and former GLA:D participants (30% response rate) participated in the survey. Of these, 84% (n = 285) reported to reach the recommended level of PA and 53% (n = 178) GE adherence. The top barrier to GE adherence was no/little self-discipline to perform GE (40%, n = 112) and the top facilitator was GE are easy to perform (93%, n = 300). The top 3 items regarding support needs to enhance GE adherence were a shortened version (max. 30 min) of the GE home programme (75%, n = 255), monthly continuation of small GE groups under GLA:D physiotherapists’ supervision (65%, n = 221), and monitoring with regular testing of individual progress (65%, n = 221). Conclusions The top barriers and facilitators should be considered by those responsible for the GLA:D programme and may need to be specifically addressed during and after the programme. The development of a shortened version of the GLA:D programme, a post-GLA:D group, and monitoring with regular testing seem crucial for enhancing GE adherence. Clinical Trial Registration not applicable.