A qualitative analysis of exit interviews exploring families' perspectives on physical activity and research participation

Background: Family physical activity (FPA) interventions often lead to increased physical activity, but trials are only beginning to understand optimal behaviour change techniques for lasting change. This study reports on findings from interviews with families who participated in a randomized controlled trial which explored planning as a strategy to increase physical activity. Methods: Families who completed the FPA intervention trial (see Rhodes et al., 2019) were asked to complete an exit interview at the six-month endpoint of the study. Forty-one interviews were included in the analysis. An iterative, deductive, fully crossed, duplicate thematic analysis was used to code the interviews and reveal the major themes. Results and Discussion: Parents and children reported positive participation outcomes including learning, improving physical fitness, increased family time, and simply having fun. Planning could be challenging considering complex family schedules, frequent extra-curricular activities and varying fitness and energy levels. Elements like the secondary fitness measures and accelerometers used detracted from the success and enjoyment of some participants. Families shared recurrent commentary linking values, identity, planning and activity levels. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance and complexity of FPA research. Families emphasized many psycho-social benefits, but shared significant challenges involving the entire family unit simultaneously. More research is indicated to understand the interaction between planning, identity and activity, as well as the influence of secondary measures like fitness testing. Future research could benefit from the use of more seamless technology and tailored protocols to better engage families, minimize burden and support long-term change.
The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, Vol. 14 No. 3 (2021): Proceedings from the 8th International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress