Barriers and facilitators of exercise behaviour for frail older adults in nursing homes: protocol for a qualitative study in China

Exercise is significant for older adults to improve their poor health outcomes. It can delay weakness, enhance the quality of muscle and body balance, and prevent adverse events. However, the factors that hinder or promote exercise among frail nursing home residents are unclear. Few studies have investigated the exercise-related experiences and coping strategies of frail older adults, and it is necessary to further understand the overall situation among older adults. Therefore, this study aims to obtain information about the impact of exercise-related barriers and facilitators on the daily life of frail older adults and how they cope with this condition. Qualitative research design uses a phenomenological framework. Older adults participating in the study will be invited to describe their life experiences with exercise-related barriers and facilitators, the impact on their daily lives and the strategies they use to cope with the condition. This study will use purposeful sampling to ensure the sample provides informative cases representative of frail older adults with exercise-related barriers and facilitators. Face-to-face, personal and semi-structured interviews will be conducted in nursing homes in Sichuan, China. A trained qualitative researcher will conduct interviews. Transcripts will be analysed using NVivo V.10 qualitative software, and themes will be synthesised to highlight the critical issues raised by frail older adults about the exercise process. Understanding the awareness of frail older adults on exercise management care will help improve the existing health services in this area. This research data will be used in future research to develop a validated survey, which can be used by medical staff working in nursing homes to understand and strengthen the health service provision of frail older adults.