Enablers and barriers toward home-based resistance exercise among older adults who completed a structured program: qualitative study using reflexive thematic analysis.

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia is associated with many adverse outcomes such as cardiac and respiratory diseases and mobility issues which in turn may lead to the decreased quality of life and loss of independence. Resistance exercise is recommended for older adults to both prevent and treat sarcopenia. However, very few older adults participate in such exercise. Thus, this study aims to explore enablers and barriers toward home-based resistance exercise (include both body weight and resistance band) for older adults.

METHODS

A subgroup of 10 participants aged 60 years and over (5 male and 5 female) from the 46 participants in the Krill Oil exeRcisE Ageing (KOREA) study were included. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Glasgow, UK, following a 16-week study period during which participants performed home-based resistance exercises using both body weight and resistance bands. Interviews lasted between 7 and 25 min and were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Reflexive thematic analysis, using an inductive approach, was employed to analyse the data.

RESULTS

The analysis generated five themes: Flexibility and simplicity of home-based resistance exercise, navigating commitment (e.g., using an exercise log) and the perceived benefits of home-based exercise such as observing improvements in grip strength were identified as enablers for performing home-based resistance exercises. In contrast, learning home-based resistance along with indolence and procrastination were barriers.

CONCLUSION

The current data indicate that to improve older adults’ engagement in home-based resistance exercise, programs should prioritise flexibility, simplicity, and opportunities for participants to monitor their own progress. Interventions should combine bodyweight and resistance band exercises with accessible tools such as grip strength monitors or exercise logs to enhance motivation, commitment, and adherence to home-based resistance exercise.