Barriers to Physical Activity in People With Type 2 Diabetes Enrolled in a Worksite Diabetes Disease Management Program

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the level of physical activity, barriers to physical activity, and strategies used to meet physical activity goals in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used in a sample of 75 adults with T2DM enrolled in a worksite diabetes disease management program (WDDMP). Participants self-reported the length of time they engaged in moderate-intensity physical activity, the frequency of general and specific physical activity, and barriers to participating in physical activity. Results Participants who chose to work on physical activity as part of their diabetes self-management had a higher stage of change for physical activity and participated in more general and specific physical activity than did those participants who did not choose to work on physical activity. Participants who were active reported fewer barriers to physical activity and chose to work on more self-care areas to control their diabetes than did those participants who were inactive. Conclusions Participants who chose to work on physical activity participated in more general and specific physical activity and had a higher stage of change for physical activity. Stage of change affects physical activity. While results provide support for the stages of change construct of the transtheoretical model of change, the results do not support that the WDDMP assisted participants in achieving their physical activity goals.