Goal-directed physical activities in group rehabilitation and impact on health-related quality of life and participation among young adults with physical disabilities – a qualitative study

Abstract

Goal-directed rehabilitation is a common approach for people with physical disabilities of neurological origin. The effect of rehabilitation is often investigated with quantitative methods. There is little knowledge on if and how this approach influences health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and participation in their everyday life. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into how goal-directed rehabilitation with adapted functional activities in a group setting influenced HRQOL and participation in everyday life for young adults with disabilities of neurological origin using qualitative methods. Young adults (n = 6) who had undertaken a goal-directed rehabilitation program participated in qualitative interviews. Data were analyzed through systematic text condensation. We found that goal-directed rehabilitation in a group setting was demanding, but motivating and rewarding due to the social aspects of group training and goal-achievements. In conclusion, the group setting was a positive context due to the social aspect, despite a heterogeneous group composition. Enhanced functional skills promoted HRQOL through increased participation in sport and increased independence in activities of daily living. In further, interventions aiming to increase HRQOL among this population, therapists should emphasize adapted physical activity to avoid increased fatigue and prioritize exercises in groups or pairs.

Keywords:

• Health-related quality of life
• rehabilitation
• young adults
• physical disability
• participation

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all the young adults who participated in this study. We also acknowledge Jannike Rieber, Tove Bergan and Helga Kaale for participation in planning the intervention, Celine Christensen and Torstein Aabrekk-Sørensen for being a co-instructor during the training periods.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The Norwegian Directorate of Health and The Sophie’s Minde Foundation funded the study.

Additional information

Funding

The Norwegian Directorate of Health and The Sophie’s Minde Foundation funded the study.