Perceived barriers and facilitators to exercise adherence in osteoarthritis: A thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Exercise is a first-line intervention for osteoarthritis (OA). However, exercise adherence remains low, and existing studies exploring factors influencing adherence have yielded inconclusive results based on quantitative data. This study aims to synthesise qualitative studies focused on the perceived facilitators and barriers affecting exercise adherence in individuals with OA.

Design

A thematic synthesis of qualitative studies was conducted. Relevant articles were sourced from MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, CINAHL, and PsychInfo until November 2024. Studies focused on adults (≥16 years) with hip or knee OA who had participated in exercise programmes to manage OA. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal

SUBMITTER: Giardulli B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11889972 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature