Exploring perspectives of older adults and informal caregivers on physical activity during non-weight-bearing rehabilitation: a qualitative study.

backgroundOlder adults in inpatient rehabilitation often struggle to remain physically active, especially when restricted from bearing weight on a lower extremity. Given the negative consequences of inactivity, it is important to provide and encourage physical activities and include patients' and informal caregivers' input and views. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of patients receiving non-weight-bearing rehabilitation and their informal caregivers regarding the content and frequency of physical activities, and the motivational factors for performing such physical activities.

methodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with ten patients (8 female, aged 61-87) restricted from weight-bearing on a lower extremity, primarily due to fractures, and six informal caregivers (3 female, aged 58-86). The interviews were thematically analyzed using the framework method.

resultsEleven themes emerged regarding physical activity during the non-weight-bearing period. The themes describe 1) the interpretation of physical activity during the non-weight-bearing period; 2) activity limitations; 3) frequency, duration, and 4) content of physical therapy; 5) patient-regulated exercise; 6) preferences for group versus individual therapy; 7) the healthcare providers, and 8) informal caregivers' role in facilitating and encouraging physical activity; 9) informing the patient and informal caregiver; 10 the rehabilitation location; and 11) intrinsic motivation.

conclusionPhysical activity during the non-weight-bearing period should be tailored to the patient and their informal caregivers. It is important to inform and discuss the possibilities for being physically active with the patient. The most important goals for engaging in physical activity were regaining the ability to walk and returning home.