Perceptions and factors influencing exercise interventions in elderly patients with debilitating spinal surgery and healthcare professionals: A qualitative study

World J Clin Cases. 2024 Jun 6;12(16):2765-2772. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i16.2765.

Abstract

Background: Older spine surgery patients have a high incidence of debilitation, which can be managed with certain exercises.

Aim: To investigate the current status and influencing factors related to the knowledge of exercise intervention among patients and professionals.

Methods: Descriptive research methods were used to classify and summarize patients and professionals' perceptions and factors affecting exercise interventions. Data were analysed using the Colaizzi seven-step analysis method to distill and refine themes.

Results: A total of 7 themes were identified: (1) The current status of patients' exercise is unsatisfactory; (2) patients' health literacy is low, coupled with a lack of social and family support; (3) there are numerous challenges with systematic exercise interventions; (4) healthcare professionals acknowledge the importance and need for exercise interventions; (5) there's a pronounced willingness among patients to participate in exercise intervention programs; (6) healthcare professionals believe that exercise interventions are beneficial; and (7) participants offered invaluable insights and suggestions on perioperative exercise during spinal surgery.

Conclusion: To investigate the current status and influencing factors related to the knowledge of exercise intervention among patients and the related healthcare professionals to provide a reference for the construction of exercise management programs for these patients.

Keywords: Elderly; Exercise; Frailty; Qualitative research; Spine.