Pattern, preferences, barriers, and correlates of self-reported physical activity in adults with borderline personality disorder: An online survey in western countries

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionBorderline personality disorder is characterized by instability of self, relationships, and affect. It is highly comorbid with both mental and somatic disorders. Physical activity (PA) has shown great results in treating and alleviating symptoms of these disorders. PA intervention either for research or clinical purpose should consider the preferences and barriers of the individuals it aims to favor retention.However, to this day no study analyzed the preferences and barriers to PA in individuals with borderline personality disorder. This study aims to be the first to describe these barriers and preferences.MethodsWe used an online survey to interrogate 192 adults with a self-reported diagnostic of borderline personality disorder from Canada, France, the United States, England, Switzerland, and New Zealand.ResultsOur participants completed 165 minutes of PA weekly on average. They preferred walking (66.7%), biking (33.3%), aquatic activities (29.0%), running (24.2%), yoga and weightlifting (equal with 23.7%) in order. The main barriers to PA were having a friend over, having other engagements, recovering from an injury, and having something else more interesting to do. Our participants preferred doing PA alone but supervised, outside, in a long session compared to many short ones and of moderate intensity. Finally, a majority of participants are interested in receiving PA advice but most did not receive any. The favorite professionals from whom to receive advice are trainers, psychiatrists, physical therapists, and psychologists.ConclusionThese results are important to better tailor future PA interventions for adults with borderline personality disorder.