In the dark about physical activity - exploring patient perceptions of physical activity after elective total knee joint replacement: a qualitative study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to explore patient perceptions of and motivations for physical activity after total knee joint replacement. METHODS: Participants were purposively sampled after completing a public outpatient rehabilitation exercise group. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 22 participants (mean age 70 years, 45% women) 6 to 12 months after total knee joint replacement. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Themes were identified by an inductive and iterative process of data analysis. RESULTS: The main theme to emerge was participants were in the dark about physical activity. Participants were typically not familiar with physical activity guidelines and h..