Abstract
Aim
To explore motivational factors for initiating, implementing, and maintaining physical activity following a rehabilitation program for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods
Semi-structured, individual, qualitative interviews with five informants from the InterWalk trial were conducted at three separate occasions; at initiation of the rehabilitation program, at completion of the 12-week program, and 52 weeks after enrolment. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed according to Systematic Text Condensation. The framework of Self-Determination Theory was applied to guide analysis after identification of preliminary themes.
Results
Commitment and obligation were emphasized as being motivational in initiating physical activity. Toward the termination of the program, this was challenged by an expressed need for autonomy. Successful behavioral change was characterized by transfer of commitment to a new structure in everyday life, which also honored the request for autonomy. Feeling capable of participating in physical activity was facilitated through knowledge, practical experience, and progress and considered motivational, whereas lack of progress extinguished motivation. Finally, enjoyment of the activity was determining for long-term maintenance of physical activity behavior.
Conclusion
Satisfaction of innate psychological needs leads to more autonomous regulation of behavior and, through this study, we investigated determining factors for extrinsically motivated behavior and factors of importance to the internalization process.
Acknowledgments
This study was funded by a research grant from Foundation for Intersectorial Research Projects. The sponsors of this study did not play a role in the design, analysis, or interpretation of data.
Author contributions
LSV presented the initial idea of the study. LSV and KCW collaborated on the final design, the recruitment strategy, and the interview guide. KCW conducted and transcribed the interviews and established the initial interpretation of the data. LSV supported the analysis and HL and LSV provided feedback on findings and added to the final analysis. All authors contributed toward data analysis, drafting and revising the paper and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
KCW and LSV also received funding from Tryg Foundation and LSV from Danish Association of Physiotherapists. LSV and HL further received funding from the City of Copenhagen. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.