Exploring barriers and motivators to exercise for people with pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes

The purpose of this study was to understand and acknowledge the barriers and motivators to exercise for people diagnosed with pre-diabetes (PD) or type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and whether these were influenced by stigma associated with diagnosis. Five participants from a diabetes exercise programme were observed in the programme and interviewed. Based on interview data three composite case studies were developed to highlight some of the participants unique responses and experiences with activity barriers and motivators. The main motivators explored were social aspects of exercise, a desire to improve health and fitness, enjoyment, and good weather. The main barriers experienced included cost, injury, lack of time, and lack of enjoyment. Social stigma associated with diabetes appeared to have an impact on some participants. Feeling embarrassed exercising in public decreased motivation to engage in physical activity (PA), whereas the desire to manage their condition or prevent further comorbidities was a great motivator for exercise. Overall, most of the barriers and motivators to exercise for people with PD or T2DM were consistent with those described in the literature, but participants offered some unique perspectives when discussing their barriers and motivators. The stigma associated with diabetes can negatively and positively impact motivation to exercise.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Applied Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• Armfield, Mackenzie

• barriers
• motivators
• exercise
• pre-diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes

Statement dc:rights

• CC BY-NC-ND Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6790

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10652/6790