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Conference Agenda

Overview and details of the sessions of this conference. Please select a date or location to show only sessions at that day or location. Please select a single session for detailed view (with abstracts and downloads if available).

Daily Overview

Session

WR2_1_2: Abstract presentations: Health-Promoting Sports Clubs and Communities
Location: White room 2
Session Chair: Susanna Geidne

Presentation 9

2:30pm - 2:40pm

‘Will I, won’t I?’ What influences the decision to take up a community-based exercise programme for chronic disease

Daire Fitzmaurice^1,2,3, Andrew O'Regan^2,3,4, Clodagh Toomey^2,3,5, Matthew Herring^1,2,3, Catherine Woods^1,2,3, Brian Carson^1,2,3

1: Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland; 2: Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Limerick, Ireland; 3: Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland; 4: School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Ireland; 5: School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Ireland

Introduction

Community-based physical activity referral schemes can support people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), yet uptake and attendance remain variable. While individual-level factors are often emphasised, less is known about how implementation contexts shape these behaviours. This qualitative study explored factors influencing uptake and attendance within ULMedEx , a 12-week community-based exercise programme for adults living with NCDs.

Methods

Thirty-four participants (cardiovascular disease (n=14); type 2 diabetes (n=9); respiratory conditions (n=11)) took part in 10 small group interviews and eight individual interviews (mean=59 minutes). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, with inductive theme development followed by deductive mapping to COM-B within the Behaviour Change Wheel.

Results

Eight themes described factors shaping uptake and attendance. Uptake was influenced by (1)quality and consistency of information at diagnosis or referral, (2)referral as endorsement, where trusted healthcare professionals legitimised participation as safe and appropriate and (3)system continuity, with timely follow-up contact, coordinated transitions from hospital rehabilitation, and proactive outreach. Attendance was supported by (4)structured delivery, including fixed session times, predictable class routines and assessment feedback, (5)a sense of belonging within a supportive environment, (6)material, economic and logistical feasibility, (7)instructor-led safety and trust through supervision and tailored guidance, and (8)participants own readiness to engage, shaped by recovery-related vulnerability and perceived choice.

Conclusion

Opportunity-related influences were central to uptake and attendance, with motivation typically reinforced after engaging with the programme rather than preceding it. Implementation strategies embedding safety, legitimacy, routine and social support may be more effective than approaches focused primarily on individual behaviour change.