| dc.description.abstract | Background The prevalence of people living with non-communicable diseases is increasing and physical inactivity is a major contributor to this problem. To increase levels of physical activity, Exercise Referral Schemes (ERS) have been developed. The main barrier for inactive patients to participate in an ERS is a low level of motivation. Health and sport professionals working with ERS might contribute to patients’ motivation but research on how this process exactly works is incomplete. Therefore, the current study focuses on how sport professionals influence patients’ motivation in an ERS. Methods Seventeen Dutch sport professionals involved in an ERS participated in semi-structured interviews. Data was thematically analysed using NVivo. Results Professionals mentioned the most important determinants influencing patients’ motivation to be the three basic psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, relatedness) from the Self-Determination Theory. Professionals felt like they had an influence on the motivation of patients at which especially their presence during exercising and their professionalism were important. Three categories of main influences could be described, among which 1) professionals’ ability to provide individual and customised guidance, 2) their medical and programme knowledge, and 3) the feelings of safety they provide to the patient. Care Sport Connectors and Exercise Providers used different strategies and most professionals expressed to use strategies they were familiar with. Substantiated motivational strategies were used only by some professionals, others described their willingness to get familiar with such strategies. Conclusions Sport professionals experienced to have an influence on patients’ motivation. Their presence and their ability to create a positive atmosphere were the most important factors for patients to continue exercising in an ERS. Use of motivational strategies was very personal and differed per individual. The results of this study contribute to the scientific knowledge on ERS and can be used to develop new or improve existing PA programmes. | |
