A qualitative analysis of factors influencing physical activity behaviour in women with PCOS: key learning for physical activity interventions and beyond

Physical activity (PA) is recommended in clinical practice guidelines as effective for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, adherence to PA interventions is low in this population, and long-term uptake of PA is a challenge. We conducted a feasibility trial of two PA interventions for women with PCOS. This paper reports a qualitative evaluation of the trial in tandem with an evaluation of barriers and facilitators to PA in a sub-group of participants. Eleven participants with PCOS were purposively sampled from the main sample (n = 36) and participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes were developed relating to experiences of the intervention and factors influencing PA behaviour: (1) The Changing Nature of Priorities, (2) The Push and Pull of PCOS Symptoms, (3) Focusing Beyond the Scale, (4) Knowledge as a Foundation for Change and (5) The Balance of Stigma and Social Support. These findings can be used to design PA interventions that consider the interplay between PCOS and PA behaviour to achieve health benefits beyond short-term interventions.