Exploring the Determinants of Long-Term Physical Activity Maintainenance from a Maintainers Perspective: What do they say?

Abstract

Purpose The psychological and physiological benefits of physical activity (PA) are maximized through maintaining regular physical activity long-term. However, the determinants leading to physical activity maintenance (PAM) are not well-understood. Most studies to-date have not specifically asked individuals who are successful PA maintainers. Therefore, this qualitative study asked individuals who have maintained the WHO PA guidelines for at least five years what they believe are important determinants for long term PAM. Findings from this investigation have potentially direct implications for PAM theory and intervention.

Methods A constructivist grounded theory approach was employed to explore the phenomenon through obtaining the information from the PA maintainers themselves (n=10; mean age=39 (SD=16) years old; 60% female; mean moderate-to vigorous PA=567 (SD=670) min/week; mean strength training 2.6 times per week at 57 min per time; PAM mean=16.5 (SD=10.6, range=5-35) years; 50% rural, 20% agglomeration, 30% urban). Data was collected through in-depth interviews. Participants’ PA profile ranged from individual sports such as gym workout, brisk walking, cycling, or CrossFit, to team sports like volleyball, gymnastics, and other voluntary sports clubs’ activities. The interviews were transcribed, anonymized, coded into meaning segments, sorted into themes, and finally grouped into categories. The themes and categories were solely based on the content.

Results Of the 1127 coded segments, 21 themes had emerged relevant to the research question. These 21 themes were organized into six broad categories for PAM: the fundamental factor of priority; three core factors for PAM that determine priority – well-being, adaptability, and enjoyment; and two supporting factors of organization and community that are a result of and support continued PAM.

Discussion This study importantly expands the existing literature about PAM, revealing that adaptability, enjoyment, and well-being are the bases of priority, and that priority is the primary determinant for lifelong PAM. The findings also suggest that a dynamic approach is crucial for PAM. Therefore, promoting various forms of PA across various situations, choosing PA that is enjoyable, and supports well-being, is hypothesized to lead to developing PA into a priority in a person’s value system and therefore making daily activity choices. Further research should confirm this theoretical model and subsequently develop interventions to promote long-term PAM across population groups.