Motivation for physical activity in adolescents with asthma

• Objective:We explored motivation for physical activity (PA) and exercise in adolescents with asthma who entered and continued a 10-week play-based exercise intervention. Methods:Eighteen adolescents with asthma, aged 13-17 years, participated in a 10-week play- and interval-based indoor exercise intervention during winter and autumn months. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted in weeks 2 and 8, focusing on motivation for PA and exercise, as well as field observations of exercise sessions in weeks 2, 6, and 8. The first interview was analyzed separately from the second one and descriptive observational data were obtained using thematic analysis and self-determination theory as a framework. Results:In the first round of focus group interviews, participants (n= 18) described amotivation and motivation for PA within the following five themes: "teachers' lack of asthma knowledge", "embarrassment over asthma symptoms", "not being able to keep pace with peers", "seasonal challenges", and "mastering fun physical activities". Based on the second interview (n= 14) and descriptive observational data (n= 18), participants reported and revealed amotivation and motivation for PA within the following four themes: "understanding and relatedness", "social support", "competition", and "mastering fun activities". Conclusion:We conclude that play-based exercises designed for groups of adolescents with asthma can support motivation for PA and exercise and reduce social and asthma-specific barriers.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Idrottsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Sport and Fitness Sciences (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Lungmedicin och allergi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Respiratory Medicine and Allergy (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Exercise

obstructive lung disease

focus groups

qualitative research

youth

play

barriers

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)