Older adults' experiences of group-based physical activity: A qualitative study from the ‘GOAL’ randomized controlled trial

Autor: Mark R. Beauchamp, William L. Dunlop, L. Hurd Clarke, Ryan E. Rhodes, Svenja A. Wolf, Erica V. Bennett, Samantha M. Harden, Yan Liu, Paul A. Estabrooks
Rok vydání: 2018
Předmět:
Zdroj: Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 39:184-192
ISSN: 1469-0292
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.08.017
Popis: Objectives In this qualitative study, we examined older adults' experiences of taking part in two efficacious group-based physical activity programs as part of the G r O up-based physical A ctivity for o L der adults (GOAL) randomized controlled trial. Method In the GOAL Trial, 627 older adults were randomized to one of three conditions: similar age same gender (SASG), similar age mixed gender (SAMG), or ‘standard’ mixed age mixed gender (MAMG) control exercise group conditions. Participants in this qualitative study (N = 31; Nmen = 17, Nwomen = 14; Mage = 70 years) were purposively sampled from the two experimental conditions (SASG, SAMG) and involved in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results The results included 12 lower-order and three higher-order themes that reflected (a) the benefits and challenges of exercising with peers, (b) the group as a means of mitigating social isolation, and (c) group exercise and the physically active body. Discussion Findings highlight the importance of social connections that exist within the age-matched physical activity programs, as well as some of the challenges for older adults participating in community-based physical activity programs. Implications for intervention, program planning, and future research are discussed.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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