Physical activity during and after a residential rehabilitation programme for people living with axial spondyloarthritis: a qualitative exploration of patient and health care professional perspectives.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the experiences of people living with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and views of health care professionals (HCPs), on physical activity engagement and maintenance during and after a structured physiotherapy led residential rehabilitation programme.

METHODS AND MEASURES: Nineteen individuals with axSpA who attended a two-week residential rehabilitation programme, and nine HCPs were recruited. Patient focus groups and HCP interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was conducted. Where appropriate, self-determination theory was used in the interpretation and discussion of inductively constructed themes.

RESULTS

Four key themes were identified: Interactions within the social environment (Immersion, Group dynamic, Interactions with health care professionals, Interactions with family and others); Adjusting to PA (Enjoyment & interest, Balance & body awareness, Routine & habit, Feedback); Transformative experience (Education as a foundation, Perception of PA, Ownership, Visible difference); and Psychological challenges (Frustration, Guilt, Fear, Normalisation).

CONCLUSION

Rehabilitation programmes for people with axSpA should be holistic. Framing PA in terms of enjoyment, instead of purely for health, may support PA maintenance. For HCPs, creating a more socially supportive environment, involving important others, and focusing on techniques to support autonomous motivation can help those with axSpA maintain PA after a rehabilitation programme.