ArticleInternational journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being2026
Understanding online exercise provision: a qualitative study of the perspectives of service users, instructors, and strategic leaders.
Article in International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
purposeOnline exercise may reduce barriers to participation by increasing convenience, flexibility, and accessibility. However, few qualitative studies have examined the perspectives of key stakeholders on its role in exercise delivery. This study explored the perceptions and experiences of service users, exercise instructors, and strategic leaders regarding online exercise.
methodsFocus groups were undertaken with 68 participants from North West England, comprising 50 service users, 10 exercise instructors, and 8 strategic leaders. Data were analyzed using a coding reliability thematic analysis.
resultsThree overarching themes of barriers, benefits, and facilitators emerged. Common barriers included set-up challenges, exercise safety, privacy, security, and digital literacy. Instructor-specific challenges included insurance, music licensing, and monitoring participant engagement. Common benefits included convenience, flexibility, and social interaction. Strategic leaders viewed online exercise as valuable for underserved populations and supporting progression to in-person participation. Accessibility, guidance, and training were common facilitators, while strategic leaders expressed the need for a business case, integration into organizational strategy, collaboration, and partnership.
conclusionOnline exercise is perceived as a valuable complement to in-person provision. However, effective implementation requires addressing technical, safety, privacy, and organizational challenges. Inclusive design, improving digital literacy, instructor training, organizational strategy, and cross-sector collaboration may facilitate its adoption.
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