Facilitators and Inhibitors of Adapted Physical Activity Practice in Patients with Chronic Disease in Brussels – A Mixed-Methods Study

Youness Kamel

Keywords: Adapted Physical Activity, Chronic diseases,

Background:

Chronic diseases (CDs) remain a major global public health issue. In Belgium, CDs represent 90% of the social burden of diseases, mainly due to the functional limitations they induce. Adapted Physical Activity (APA) plays a key role as a primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary prevention method in individuals with CDs. APA prescription aims to reduce complications, slow down loss of autonomy, and improve the quality of life for patients. Studies on factors influencing APA practice are limited. Our study aims to address these gaps, especially in the Belgian context, by identifying motivating factors and barriers to physical activity among individuals with chronic diseases.

Research questions:

What are the facilitators and Inhibitors of APA Practice in Patients with Chronic Disease?

What are the benefits of APA in patients with Chronic Disease?

Method:

Qualitative data collection was conducted through three focus groups. A total of 23 patients, aged 18 and above, with non-decompensated chronic diseases, followed by healthcare personnel at MEDI-YEN medical center, and engaging in physical activity, were included in the study. Mental and physical health scores were assessed using the SF-12 questionnaire.

Results:

Factors supporting APA revolve around four main axes: improvement in health (mental and physical), enhancement of quality of life (autonomy, better sleep), socio-economic factors (social support). Conversely, obstacles such as exercise-related pain, transient perception of physical activity effects, lack of support from the surroundings, environmental and geographical factors (seasons, distance) were identified as significant barriers to physical exercise.

Conclusions:

Our study contributes to a better understanding of the facilitators and barriers to promoting adapted physical activity within this specific population, paving the way for more tailored and effective health initiatives. It emphasizes the need to adopt diverse, culturally sensitive, financially accessible health promotion programs that integrate gender dimensions, as well as the physical and mental health of patients with chronic diseases.

Points for discussion:

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