Barriers and facilitators to participating in cardiac rehabilitation and physical activity: A cross-sectional survey

Table 3 Topic: Physical activity

Sub-theme	Element	Description	Example quotes
Benefits	Physical	Physical benefits from being active.	Participant 33: “Physical activity can help other/many other illnesses/diseases e.g., diabetes. It can also help you to feel better.” (Female, 60-79, all classes).
			Participant 423: “Keeping my weight at a good level is important and regular walking helps this. Walking helps me keep fit and helps with a good breathing pattern.” (Male, 40-59, all classes).
			Participant 101: “Being physically active not only improves recovery but stimulates the mind, especially when walking outdoors.” (Male, 72, some classes).
			Participant 49: “I am not PA as above - but I always endeavour to be active daily by other means i.e., gardening, walking, household etc., relevant to my age/weather conditions etc.” (Male, 79, all classes).
	Mental	Mental benefits from being active.	Participant 358: “Physical activity has given me a positive outlook for the future.” (Male, 60-79, all classes).
			Participant 90: “Improved confidence and mental wellbeing.” (Male, 60-70, all classes).
Challenges	Physical challenges	Physical health barriers to being active.	Participant 28: “At present I am troubled with retention of fluid which is affecting my breathing. If something could be done about this, I feel I would be able to get back to my golf and fishing.” (Male, 80+, 8 classes).
			Participant 531: “Because of my age and state of health I would find it very difficult to exercise.” (Male, 80+, no classes).
	Mental challenges	Mental barriers to being active.	Participant 87: “I don't go out by myself in case I suffer a bad turn. It's not just a physical barrier with some patients it's a mental barrier that stops them from exercise.” (Male, 60-79, no classes).
			Participant 103: “I have suffered from severe depression my whole life and lately it’s been getting worse with everything that's going on so it’s a bad place I'm in just now” (Male, 40-59, no classes).
			Participant 450: “To be honest I feel very anxious about strenuous or prolonged exercise: close to paranoia!” (Male, 60-79, no classes).
	External challenges	External barriers to being active.	Participant 61: “Normally in good weather my husband and myself are out walking about 3 d a week but with all the snow and ice we have had we have hardly been out of doors.” (Female, 60-79, no classes).
			Participant 278: “I really enjoy lifting weights and as my local gym does not have much I use a private gym. It has all health questions and if you have a health problem (heart attack etc.) you need a doctor’s letter which is £30. This could put people off.” (Female, < 39, 8 classes).
Reasons for staying physically active	Motivation	Motivation for being physically active.	Participant 160: “Would like to keep active for my grandchildren and my great grandchildren and also for my remaining son and family.” (Female, 60-79, 8 classes).
			Participant 115: “Being physically fit, for your age, helps to be mentally fit and become able to participate in family and community events.” (Male, 60-79, 8 classes).
	Preferences	Preferences of types of activity.	Participant 318: “Most of my activity is concerned with work around the home e.g., cutting trees for wood burner, splitting logs for wood burner, digging garden, looking after chicken, mowing grass etc.” (Male, 80+, some classes).
			Participant 258: “I've been involved with physical activity in my work environment all my working life. Most of my hobbies focus around exercise skiing, biking, golf, swimming and walking. Don't like to be unfit.” (Female, 40-59, no classes).