Experiences of a high-intensity functional exercise programme among older people dependent in activities of daily living

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experience of participating in a high-intensity functional exercise programme among older people dependent in activities of daily living (ADL) and living in residential care facilities. Interviews were conducted with nine older people, aged 73–91, and dependent in ADL who had participated in a high-intensity functional exercise programme. Qualitative content analysis was used in analysing the interviews. The findings show that the informants, despite extensive impairments, multiple diagnoses, and advanced age, displayed a belief in the positive effects of the programme, a strong desire to be active, and the will to strive to avoid further loss of capacity. They were struggling with failing bodies that constituted barriers to exercise. Support from the supervisors and belief in personal success facilitated performance of the exercises. The informants related physical and mental improvements that affected their daily life positively and that exercising in a group was stimulating and created a sense of togetherness. The effort was seen as worthwhile because participating in strenuous exercise could imply that they might overcome bodily limitations to achieve increased vitality and improved quality of life.

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge and thank Lars Nyberg, PT; Yngve Gustafson, MD; Erik Rosendahl, PT; Håkan Littbrand, PT; Lillemor Lundin-Olsson, PT; Agneta Emilsson, PT; Ellinor Nordin, PT; Anna Åström, PT; and Lina Lind, PT, for their hard work and contributions to this research project. We also thank the Social Authorities of the municipality of Umeå, the participants, and the staff at the facilities for their cooperation and participation.

Declaration of interest: The first author was one of those who developed the weighted belt used in this study and was at the time of the study, part owner of the company that produced and sold the weighted belt. The belts were purchased without any discount from the company. The study was supported by grants from County Council of Västerbotten; Äldrecentrum Västerbotten; Erik and Anne-Marie Detlof's Foundation; Muskelfond Norr; Swedish Association of Registered Physiotherapists' Division of Gerontology and Geriatrics; and the Swedish Research Council K2002-27VP-14165-02B, K2002-27VX-14172-02B, K2005-27VX-15357-01A. The funding sources have had no influence of the interpretation of data.